The Sad Story of Sri Lanka’s Civil War
A Traveler’s Perspective
By Eric Mackenzie Lamb
As I wrote about the genocide in Rwanda, I couldn’t help but think of a similar situation in Sri Lanka. While Rwanda’s genocide was more extreme, Sri Lanka’s civil war shares similarities in its devastating impact on the Tamil minority.
A Personal Connection
I met Waran Rawan, a Tamil refugee, who fled the conflict and was granted refugee status by the Swiss government. He now works as a cook in a popular restaurant in Andermatt, in the Swiss Alps. Here’s what he told me:
The War and Its Impact
The war between the Tamil minority and the Sinhalese majority took place between 1993 and 2009, shortly after independence from colonial rule. The Tamil population, mostly residing in the northeast of the country, called for an independent state. The Sinhalese government was unwilling to grant their wish, and that’s when the conflict began. Even books, magazines, or films in the Tamil language were strictly forbidden.
After more than 20 years of civil war, the Sri Lankan military finally defeated the Tamil Tigers. It’s estimated that at least 80,000 to 100,000 people were killed, with many unaccounted for to this day. Surviving family members are still searching for their missing relatives, but with little success.
Conclusion
The story of Sri Lanka’s civil war is a sad and tragic one, with devastating consequences for the Tamil minority. As a traveler, it’s essential to be aware of these conflicts and their impact on local communities. By understanding the history and cultural context of a destination, we can better appreciate its people and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the Sri Lankan civil war take place?
- The war took place between 1993 and 2009.
- What was the main cause of the conflict?
- The conflict was caused by the demand for an independent state by the Tamil minority and the refusal of the Sinhalese government to grant it.
- How many people were killed in the war?
- It’s estimated that at least 80,000 to 100,000 people were killed, with many unaccounted for to this day.
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