Political and social tensions
After independence in 1948, Sri Lanka experienced disputes concerning language policy, education, public employment, constitutional arrangements and the distribution of political power. Tamil political organisations initially pursued parliamentary and constitutional approaches, including demands for greater regional autonomy and federal arrangements.
Growth of militancy
As political tensions increased and confidence in parliamentary solutions declined among sections of Tamil youth, several militant organisations emerged. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), founded in the 1970s, gradually became the dominant Tamil militant organisation.
The rise of the LTTE
The LTTE competed violently with other Tamil militant groups and eventually established itself as the principal armed organisation pursuing a separate Tamil state known as Tamil Eelam. Its campaign included attacks against military targets as well as political assassinations, bombings and attacks affecting civilians.
A conflict becoming harder to reverse
By the early 1980s, political mistrust, communal violence and armed militancy had created a cycle that was increasingly difficult to stop. The events of July 1983 became a major turning point, transforming the conflict into a much larger civil war.
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.