The Rare Victory of Sri Lanka Long War: An In-Depth Exploration of a Triumphant Tragedy

In 2009, after a grueling 26-year civil war, the Sri Lankan military declared a decisive victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE),a ruthless terrorist organization that had waged a relentless separatist campaign. "The Rare Victory of Sri Lanka Long War," authored by renowned journalist and author Nirupama Subramanian, provides an illuminating account of this complex and controversial conflict.

Total Destruction of the Tamil Tigers: The Rare Victory of Sri Lanka's Long War

by Paul Moorcraft

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4227 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	313 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Roots of the Conflict

Subramanian delves into the historical, social, and economic factors that fueled the civil war. She traces the origins of the conflict to the colonial era, when the British favored the Tamil minority over the Sinhalese majority, creating deep-seated resentment. Post-independence, the Sinhalese-dominated government implemented policies perceived as discriminatory towards Tamils, leading to a sense of political and economic marginalization.

The Rise of the LTTE

In the 1970s, the Tamil youth disillusioned by government policies formed the LTTE. Under the ruthless leadership of Velupillai Prabhakaran, the LTTE became a formidable force, employing guerrilla warfare and suicide bombings. They sought to establish an independent Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka.

The Escalation of Violence

Subramanian chronicles the escalation of violence in the 1980s and 1990s. The LTTE carried out brutal attacks on civilians and security forces, while the government responded with heavy-handed military operations. The conflict became a vicious cycle of violence and atrocities, with both sides accused of human rights violations.

International Intervention and Failed Peace Efforts

The international community attempted to broker peace agreements on multiple occasions, but the LTTE's intransigence and the government's reluctance to devolve significant power ultimately doomed these efforts. In the late 2000s, the military launched a decisive offensive, capturing LTTE-held territory and putting an end to the conflict.

The Aftermath: Triumph and Tragedy

The end of the war was a triumph for the Sri Lankan government, but it also came at a great cost. Subramanian describes the immediate aftermath of the victory, including the plight of civilians displaced by the fighting and the challenges of reintegrating former LTTE members into society.

The book also examines the complex human toll of the conflict. Subramanian shares poignant stories of victims, both Tamil and Sinhalese, and exposes the scars that remain on the Sri Lankan psyche. She delves into the challenges of post-war reconciliation and the ongoing search for truth and justice.

"The Rare Victory of Sri Lanka Long War" is a comprehensive and nuanced account of a conflict that shaped Sri Lanka's history and continues to resonate today. Nirupama Subramanian provides a balanced perspective, giving voice to both the victors and the victims. Her in-depth research and sensitive writing make this book an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of civil war, post-conflict reconciliation, and the pursuit of peace.

Total Destruction of the Tamil Tigers: The Rare Victory of Sri Lanka's Long War

by Paul Moorcraft

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4227 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	313 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE