The end of fighting
After May 2009, Sri Lanka entered a period without the large-scale armed conflict that had defined the previous decades. Former conflict areas began a process of reconstruction and resettlement.
Demining and resettlement
Large areas affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance required clearance before communities could safely return. Humanitarian organisations and demining teams contributed to this process.
Families of missing persons
Thousands of families continued to seek information about relatives who disappeared during the conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross has documented the continuing humanitarian importance of resolving cases of missing persons.
Remembering military service
Military personnel who died during the conflict remain an important part of Sri Lanka's post-war memory. Memorials, commemorations and military records preserve the names and service histories of many personnel.
Civilian memory and reconciliation
At the same time, families of civilians who were killed, displaced or disappeared continue to preserve their own memories. A responsible historical archive should therefore document military sacrifice, LTTE abuses, state abuses and civilian suffering rather than presenting only one dimension of the conflict.
Historical note
This page is intended as a historical archive. Events involving the LTTE, government forces, civilians and other actors are presented separately where possible. Where casualty figures or historical interpretations are disputed, the page avoids presenting one estimate as unquestionable fact.