1. finance
2. investing
3. options

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GENERAL SIR JOHN KOTELAWALA
DEFENCE UNIVERSITY
SYNDICTATE 05
INTAKE 28
HOW TO ENHANCE ETHNIC HARMONY
IN ORDER TO PREVENT FUTURE ETHNIC CRISIS
AND DEVELOPTHE COUNTRY
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DS COMMENTS
2
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COVER SHEET
1. TOPIC:
2. ACADEMIC DS:
HOW TO ENHANCE ETHNIC HARMONY
IN ORDER TO PREVENT FUTURE ETHNIC
CRISIS AND DEVELOP THE COUNTRY
Mr. HMN HERATH
3. MILITARY DS:
Maj. GJP DE SILVA
Lt. MSC GUNASEKARA
4. ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR:Ms. E KITHULGODA
5. SYNDICATE LEADER:
3796 TUO IDMSM TENNAKOON
6. SYNDICATE MEMBERS:
i.
3800
C/SGT
SAIA
SUBHASINGHE
ii.
3837
C/CPL
BMHDK ABEYRATHNE
iii.
3720
O/CDTGK
BADDEVITHANA
iv.
3738
O/CDT
GBSS
KARUNARATHNE
v.
3751
O/CDT PMIN
RATHNAYAKE
vi.
3804
O/CDT GHDDS HEWAWASAM
vii.
3783
O/CDT RMSG
SIRIWARDANE
viii.
3824
O/CDT VMM
VITHANAGE
ix.
3834
O/CDTELCSW DISSANAYAKE
x.
3856
O/CDT
M
NADHEEM
3
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CONTENT
1. Chapter One
Introduction
2. Chapter Two
Problem Statement
 Research Hypothesis
 Objectives
 Methods of Data Collection
 Limitations
3. Chapter Three Data presenting and analyzing
 Independence
 A theory to explain the risen of ethnic conflict
protracted social conflicts
 Analysis of the recent Sri Lankan history
 Early steps taken to solve the ethnic conflict
4. Chapter Four
Actions taken by government to enhance the ethnic
harmony and achieve the development ends
 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) &
Re-
settlement
 Socio-economic development
 Rehabilitation of ex-combatants and conflict
affected youth
 Lessons learnt and reconciliation commission
(LLRC)
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5. Recommendation
a) Constitutional reforms in post conflict Sri Lanka
b) Education as a tool of enhancing ethnic harmony
c) Attitudinal changes
d) Broader economic policy framework
e) Contribution of military
f) Reset the Sri Lankan foreign policy
g) Implementation of recommendation based on LLRC
6. Conclusion
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.
The term ethnic harmony can be defined as a condition where different ethnic
communities could co-exist peacefully. When it comes to a country, ethnic harmony is
related to development without which the overall development of a country might not be
achieved.
2.
Since ancient times in Sri Lanka, there is a large variety in ethnicity. From the king
Vijaya, Sri Lankans were under the rule of one flag and one king. Since then, peace and
harmony among different ethnic groups such as Sinhalese and Tamil was maintained. Then
Tamils came from south India as a result of invasion, marriages and other diplomatic
relationships. The arrival of the Muslims from Arabic countries for economic and merchant
purposes was cause to enhance the ethnic variety in Sri Lanka. In 1505 arrival of Portuguese
to the coastal area of Sri Lanka, in 1656 invasion of Dutch people and in 1796 conquering of
Sri Lanka as a whole by the British rule led to the origin of Malay and Christian
communities. In this colonial period the status of the new comers created tension between
Sinhala Tamil and Muslim communities due to discrimination in education, politics and other
basic human rights. This tension played a crucial role in current day to day life in Sri
Lanka..Sinhala and Muslim riots in 1915 was another aspect of conflict in this ethnic
community which occurred due to Buddhist religious activities.
3.
Though there were such relatively minor ethnic conflicts between different ethnic
groups, because of the dedication, courage and co-existence of Sinhalese Muslims and
Tamils, in 1948 Sri Lanka as a nation got the dominion type independence from the British.
4.
After gaining independence and peace, the brotherhood and harmony among racial
groups was disturbed due to arbitrary acts by Tamil, Sinhala and Muslim political leaders.
They wanted to increase the power vested upon each single individual to govern the country
to achieve their betterment and increase benefits of their own ethnic group. Therefore
development of the country after the independence was taken away from the citizens who
were looking for it. Ethnic conflict began to originate. One main issue which caused to ethnic
conflicts was the murder of Alfred Doriappa who was the mayor of Jaffna by Tamil
rebellions in 1975 and the Black July in 1983 because of the murder of 13 Army soldiers
along with Lt Vass Gunawardana, by a Land mine. There were several raping, injuries and
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deaths that occurred throughout the country and that period was the Darkest Period in recent
history of Sri Lanka which was considered as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. That was the
closest reason for spiritual misunderstanding between Tamil and Sinhala ethnicities.
5.
5000-8000 Tamil rebellions who were well trained and well equipped by the Indian
government were trying to gain the power. Among them there were three prominent
organizations, LTTE led by Pirabakaran, TELO by Sabarathnam and PLOTE by Uma
maheshwaran who were trying to become the prominent Tamil representative group by
fighting with each other to become the super power among Tamils. However, EPRLF could
be able to keep its power in eastern province until Indian peace keeping forces leave the Sri
Lanka. But finally LTTE got the chance to represent as the one and only representative of the
Sri Lankan Tamil ethnic community. This led to war between the Sri Lankan government and
LTTE organization which lasted throughout the last 3 decades. War and the terrorism in Sri
Lanka directly and largely affected the economy and the other development aspects in Sri
Lanka. That caused regression in economic and social development in Sri Lanka.
6.
From 1948 independence, each and every government who came in to power was
trying to give a remedy for this burning problem rather than concentrate on development of
the country. Therefore there was no dominant improvement or increase in the economic
growth of Sri Lanka and still Sri Lanka has to play the role of a developing country. In
contrast, Japan and Singapore were also under the British colonial ruler and Japan was a
prominent country which heavily suffered due to World War II. Effects of Nagasaki and
Hiroshima nuclear bombs can be seen even now in the faces of the Japanese. But now these
counties are considered as developed countries which have achieved economic, industrial and
technical development.
7.
The countries like Australia and Singapore never had ethnic conflicts and every
individual tried their best to develop the country and achieved the goals in order to be a giant
in the earth. Though just after the Elam war 4 and Sri Lanka will take a long time to achieve
the development and prevent future crisis by enhancing the ethnic harmony under the
prevailing situation in Sri Lanka.
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CHAPTER TWO
a)
PROBLEM STATEMENT
8.
Sri Lanka is having a large variety of ethnicity. People belong to different cultures,
religions, casts and tribes. These differences formed large ethnic diversity in Sri Lanka. The
people have different thoughts, traditions, languages, cultures and own believes. Their
attitudes, decisions and activities mainly depend on the ethnic diversity. The peace and
violence, happy and sadness, smile and tears and the development and non-development of
Sri Lanka is directly depend on the situation of ethnic harmony in Sri Lanka.
9.
It is understood that Sri Lanka is not having an effective strategies; national policies
and well plant enhance the ethnic harmony in Sri Lanka. There for requirement of standard
and systematic planning and policies to enhance the ethnic harmony are utmost important.
b)
RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
10.
Sri Lanka is having multi ethnic, multi-cultural and multi religious background. It is
hypothesized that the major drawback in the Sri Lankan development and the ethnic crisis is
depend on the situations of ethnic harmony in Sri Lanka. Further, hypothesized that the
enhancement of good ethnic harmony practices within Sri Lankan society will reduce
future ethnic crisis and implement the efficient and effective future development of Sri
Lanka.
c)
OBJECTIVES
11.
The main objective of this research is to suggest an effective plan and strategies to
enhance ethnic harmony in order to prevent the future ethnic crisis and develop the country.
12.
The secondary objectives of this research are to:
i.
Provide a definition for ethnic harmony.
ii.
Examine the past and present situation of the ethnic harmony in Sri Lanka.
iii.
Understand the social theories on ethnic harmony.
iv.
Defined ethnic situation by social theories.
v.
Analyze the strategies and policies can betaken to enhance ethnic harmonies
which contribute towards development of Sri Lanka.
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d)
METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION
13.
The required data for the research were drawn from the following sources;
i.
Primary sources -Information will be collected by interviewing resource
personnel in the relevant field and by distributing a questionnaire among the selected
sample of the population and few other arbitrarily selected senior officers.
ii.
Secondary sources -Information will be gathered from relevant books,
journals, the internet, treaties, conventions as well as international and local
enactments of relevance.
e)
LIMITATIONS
i.
We have to limit the scope of this research to Sri Lanka and the post independent era.
ii.
Secondary data collection has to be limited to books available at the KDU
iii.
Library, Internet and newspapers.
iv.
Roots of the ethnic conflicts have been extended in vast area. Therefore by this
research it is only considered about the political background to arise the non
conflictual situation in to conflictual situation.
v.
By this development of country has been concerned only in social view.
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CHAPTER THREE
INDEPENDENCE
14.
The British negotiated the island's dominion status with the leader of the State
Council, D.S. Senanayake, during World War II. The negotiations ended with the Ceylon
Independence Act of 1947, which formalized the transfer of power. As heir from British,
democracy remained in the country and by that political power transferred to the dominance
of Sinhala majority.
A THEORY TO EXPLAIN THE RISEN OF ETHNIC CONFLICTPROTRACTED SOCIAL CONFLICTS
15.
This theory can be used to explain the seeds of risen ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
Edward E Azar, one of the forefathers of the conflict resolution field who described violent
events in the developing world as Protracted Social Conflicts, which he defines as follows:
“protracted social conflicts occur when communities are deprived of satisfaction of their
basic needs on the basis of the communal identity” However, initial conditions (such as
colonial legacy, domestic historical setting and the multi-communal nature of the society)
play important roles in shaping the genesis of protracted social conflict. Protracted social
conflicts have a number of key characteristics that define them incorporating three key
phases, Genesis, Process Dynamics and Outcomes Analysis.
ANALYSIS OF THE RECENT SRI LANKAN HISTORY
In Sri Lanka as an ancient colony, ethnic conflicts are one of unique features. In ancient Sri
Lanka, Sinhala and Tamil were the main ethnic groups and with the arrival of Muslim
traders, that was again enriched with Muslim or moors. In 1505 arrival of Portuguese, in 1656
invasion of Dutch people and in 1796 conquering of Sri Lanka as a whole by the British rule
led to the origin of Malay and Christian communities.
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As described in Azar’s theory, Sri Lanka was under the power of colonial rulers and
especially by British, it was made Sinhala dominance over others. So seeds of ethnic conflicts
was begun to grow. Under the genesis of the protracted social conflict theory, it can be
described the transformation of non-conflictual situations into conflictual ones as follows.
These colonial rulers used Indian Tamils in states as labors and by that state Tamils were
added in to society and those things made Sri Lankan society as multi ethnic and multi
traditional one. This describes the factor of communal content under the Genesis of ethnic
conflict.
NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION BY ETHNIC GROUP IN SRI LANKA
TOTAL (18 DISTRICTS) -2001
Total Population
Sinhalese
Sri Lankan Tamil
Indian Tamil
Sri Lankan Moor
Burgher
Malay
Other
16929689
13876245
732149
855025
1339331
35283
54782
36874
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Indian Tami, 5.1
Malay, 0.3
Sri lankan
Moor, 7.9 Burgher, 0.2
Sri lankan
Tamil, 4.3
Sinhalese, 82
Source: http://www.statistics.gov.lk/
NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION BY DISTRICT AND RELIGION
TOTAL (18 –DISTRICTS) 2001
Total Population
Buddhist
Hindu
Islam
Roman Catholic
Other Christian
Other
16929689
12986548
1312970
1435896
1035740
150182
8353
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Roman
Catholic, 6.1
other
other ,0.9
0
Cristian,
Islam, 8.5
Hindu, 7.8
Buddhist, 76.7
Source: http://www.statistics.gov.lk/
16. During the colonial period the status of the new comers created tension between Sinhala
Tamil and Muslim communities due to discrimination in education, politics and other
basic human rights. This tension played a crucial role in current day to day life in Sri
Lanka. Therefore, before the independence and soon after the 1948 independence, ethnic
conflicts and violence tried to rise up. From the date of independence in 1948, still Sri
Lanka is considered as a developing country
17.
Though all communities fought as one nation to get the freedom form colonial rulers,
there were some racial distraction among these communities. Those things were emerged just
after 1948 with the establishment of Illegal Tamil Arasu Kachchi. Its ends and objectives
were not faithful and were enlighten by historical evidences. They were published as political
policies of Tamil United liberation Front in 1976. Controlling over and disgracing Tamil as a
community by Sinhala majority and necessity of taking steps to protect human rights of
oppressed and discriminated state Tamils were highlighted. According to Azar, that can be
considered as the foundation of the ethnic crisis according to the Genesis of Protracted Social
Conflicts theory.
18.
As mentioned by S J Thambaiya (1986 and 1992) Michele Roberts (2009) in their
writings, Buddhism in Sri Lanka is not a true philosophy, by that and the approach from
“Mahawansaya” and ideologies of Revivalists of 19th century who have been labeled as
Sinhala Buddhists extremists such as Anagarika Dharmapala, S Mahinda Thero and
Brahmachari Walisinghe Harischandra caused to pollute the mind of Sinhala majority and
tried to adopt a majoritarian dominance and supremacy by oppression and suppression of the
minority.
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19.
In addition to major strife between Sinhalese and Tamil, there has been minor trouble
between Muslims, Buddhists and Tamils. The antagonism and racial dislike between
Sinhalese and Tamil exist since ancient times. Since 1956, ethnic violence has been
gradually risen up.
20.
This violence initially, begun with the agitation started by Sinhala revivalist groups
against the effects of English language and western culture on Sinhala values. But later this
converted into violence against Tamil. By 1983 this has attained the stature of civil war as
major threat to integrity of the nation. In 1980’s mob violence, terrorism and guerilla
activities became more prominent feature in Sri Lanka. Historical antipathy between
Sinhalese and Tamils became a major cause to this fire of separatism.
21.
In 1976, all the Tamil leaders tried to highlight Tamils as oppressed and 2 nd class
citizen to use them as a help for their election campaign. But according to the 1981 social
economic measures there was no any deprivation of privileges to Tamil comparing to Sinhala
community according to the studies of GH Peiris and Sri Skandarajah. By that, it was
requested to recognize Tamil as a separate nation and traditional Tamil homeland in north
and east and recognize it as a sovereign to achieve rights of Tamils and the dignity.
According to them, invasion of Sinhalese to Tamil territory and Sinhala dominance caused
discrimination and oppression on Tamils. Sinhala chauvinism (as a real nation and supremacy
in Sinhala language and Buddhism), denigration on Tamil culture, religion and custom,
discriminatory policies on education and employment opportunities of Tamils by Sinhala
administration system, increasing use of military forces against Tamils and their demand of
Elam were various aspects which caused to rise of separatism. Those can be considered as
human needs of Tamils which should be redressed by authority. Throughout the history, this
unfairness went unheard and unresponsively, proving the communal content of the Azar’s
theory.
22.
In Sri Lanka, Sinhalese as the majority group and Tamils as the minority group are the
two major ethnic groups. Tamils (Sri Lankan, Indian & estate Tamils) form an important
minority group in the country.(12.6% , according to 1981 census ). Other minority groups are
moors of Arab, Russians, Burghers and Prot-Austroloid Vedas. Also, Buddhism, Islam,
Hindu, Christianity are the main religion and philosophies.
23.
Concept of Damma Deepa and purest form of Buddhism made a Sinhala ideology in
Sri Lanka. This ideology made a friction and wars between Sinhalese and Tamil as well as
considered non Buddhists as polluting aliens that was misused by politicians for their own
selfish ends. In 1956, the Sinhalese only official language Act was brought into the operation.
“Sinhala only” and the Concept of real nation became active to established Sinhala
supremacy by violence and use of force.
24.
Since 1970-71, Sri Lanka freedom party governments followed discriminatory
policies (especially in education) against Tamils which encouraged the Sinhala chauvinism
and resorted to use of force against Tamils. This made the Tamil federal party to change its
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name as Tamil United Liberian Front (TULF) and demand Tamil Elam. Simultaneously,
some radical groups, mainly liberation tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE), took recourse to arms
and attacked against security forces of Sri Lankan government. This shows the political
power of the Sinhalese over minority groups which can be considered as resistance towards
the minority (government and the state role according to Azar)
25.
After defeating the Mrs. Bandaranayke’s SLFP government, united national party
government under Mr. JR Jayawardhene was come in to power in 1977. At there, he took
several steps to avoid the growing communal discard. He gave the status of national language
to Tamil, whilst Sinhala was being continued as the only official language. Steps were taken
to use Tamil as official language in Tamil majority areas of North. Also Tamils were granted
many denied civil rights to them .and his promise to create popularly elected development
committees in every province and by that it was tried to give greater autonomy to Tamil
majority areas.
26.
“Standardization” of the education in 1972, Unequal opportunities to access to the
education, Language barriers and Unequal resource distribution in the education also promote
some access to damage the harmony. If we take the whole of the university system, the ethnic
composition looks like the following,
Figure 1 Based on 2006/07 UGC figures.
27.
Ex - The University of Ruhuna (Sinhalese) or University of Jaffna (Tamil) is largely
mono-ethnic while the University of Colombo or the University of Peradneiya is primarily
multi-ethnic. Therefore same kind of activities might not work.
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SRI LANKANSCHOOLS ACCORDING TO THE MEDIUM
Medium
No. of schools
Sinhala only
Tamil only
Sinhala &Tamil
Sinhala & English
Tamil& English
Sinhala, Tamil& English
6661
2831
45
186
46
21
Sinhala and
Sinhala ,Tamil
Sinhala and English, 1.8999
and
Tamil and
Tamil, 0.45965
English, 0.2145
English, 0.46987
Tamil
Only, 28.91726
Sinhala
Only, 68.03882
Sri Lanka Journal of Librarianship & Information Management volume 1, No. 1 pp.25-30
28.
By the chapter 2 of the 1978 constitution, it has been given the priority to Buddhism
by the Sri Lankan Republic whilst under article 10 and article 14(1), Buddhism was given the
all the rights as a religion. It has been specifically mentioned as the duty of the government to
protect and enrich the Buddhism.
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29.
By these UNP government tried and took some actions to uphold the peace and
harmony between these two ethnic groups though fire of an ethnic crisis was initiated to rise
up. But due to activities of Sinhala chauvinist groups those steps were not enough to a long
run. Behaviors of Sinhala security forces (due to killing of large number of Tamils in Jaffna)
made LTTE to retaliate in 1981-83. Burning down the Jaffna public library which was a
repository of records and writings related to Tamil culture, cases of raping and torture by
security forces and destruction of the statue of Tamil hero were led to enlighten the ethnic
conflict by which Sri Lanka suffered a lot during last three decades.
30.
To uphold the income of the Northern Province, open handed economic policies to
boost tourism and foreign investments were initiated by Mr. JR Jayawardhene. Sinhala
chauvinist groups expressed their resentment to those steps to win over the Tamils and
Muslims and that became a violent anti-Tamil riot. By considering constitutional reforms,
and actions taken by early governments caused some kind of oppression over Tamil
community and as Azar describes according pre-mentioned facts government and state role
played significant role to enrich the distraction between Tamils and Sinhala. By that this has
become a thing which is highly remained in minds of people. Though 30 years’ war was over,
still there is a distraction between these two communities.
31.
In 1983, killing of Tamils, driven out them from their homes, burning their business
premises, massacred of Welikeda Tamil prisoners and attack to Colombo professional and
commercial class of Tamil were dashed all hopes of workable plural society of Sri Lanka.
Tamils were attacked and killed and branded as terrorists. Estate Tamils also were subjected
to the violence though separatism was no meaning for them.These things were abetments
which caused enhance the problem between two communities.
32.
Since 17th century Jaffna Tamils has been remained as self-sufficient and privileged
community. Since 1956, the policies of Sinhala governments were adversely affected on
well-being of this society and increased unemployment motivated the separatism. These
failures were not redressed by governments which were burning problems of the society.
Migrated Tamils to foreign countries, acted as supporters and source of money and
propaganda. By this, with the custody of the boat people in Canada on 11 th august 1986 Elam
struggle was globalized and attention of international community directed to this matter. This
Elam struggle was considered as an attempt to gain deprived fundamental human rights by
depressed class of people against the Sinhala Buddhist dominance. For this, Indian
government was responsible directly.
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33.
According to the papers, magazines such as Frontline, India Today, Dixit(1998) and
the Hindu, Sri Lankan Tamil terrorists were trained and given military aids and monetary aids
by Indian government. By that Indira Gandhi government was trying to control his own
political enemies. This view of India directed to not only Sri Lanka but also south Asian
countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. India gave military aids to separatism
campaign in eastern Pakistan and it caused to separate the Bangladesh as a separate and
sovereign country from Pakistan by defeating Pakistan government forces. Leaders of Tamil
united liberation front requested same intervention to Sri Lankan problem by Indian
government. According to protracted conflict theory, internal state policies of Sri Lanka
were influenced by international interaction.
34.
With the victory of UNP in 1977, Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (National Workers’
Organization) emerged as anti-Tamil militant force and promoted the Sinhala chauvinistic
political ideology. Since 1971, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was a major vehicle of
indiscriminate violence in Sri Lanka and became the main source of organized social
violence in South. These incidents show the political power of Sinhala majority over minority
and actions taken by dominant group to resist the minority.
35.
By operation of 13th amendment of 1978 constitution- establishing the provincial
council to control the increasing separatism, the separatism in Sri Lanka was enlightened.
Tamil national army leader (former EPRLF) Perumal stated it as making an independent
(sovereign ) state in north and east of Sri Lanka which is separated from Sri Lanka n
government. With the president speech of 1983 July, it was blamed the Tamil terrorists and
called the Sinhala action a people’s reaction and by that violence was politically motivated.
During 1985-86 there was a prominent military confrontation between Tamil guerrilla groups
and security forces. In 1986, there was violence between Tamils and Muslims who had turned
against the demand of Elam in Eastern province.
36.
After this, problem was gone worse than previous. 5000-8000 Tamil rebellions who
were well trained and well equipped by the Indian government were trying to gain the power.
Among them there were three prominent organizations, LTTE led by Pirabakaran, TELO by
Sabarathnam and PLOTE by Uma Maheshwaran who were trying to become the prominent
Tamil representative group. These things were given precondition to activation of overt
conflict. As Azar mentioned in his theory, rising of this Tamil paramilitary groups for finding
a remedy to individual grievances by repression and suppression. These individual grievances
led to a collective protest.
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37.
This can be expressed also by the theory of greed vs. grievances. Every ethnic group
has grievances. But they do not exist to the external environment. But the greed can
implement the grievances to be exploited. Because the people can gain profits and advantages
by exploited the grievances through the greed. But because of some greed to the power,
money and commanding due to the Tamil grievances had been exploited as a terrorist war.
But some people gain lots of money, power and commanding due to war. The exact
grievances of the Tamils are not really exploited. They were polluted by greed of particular
group within community.
38.
So Tamil as a victimized communal group attempted to formulate more diverse
strategies and tactics such as civil disobedience, guerrilla warfare or secessionist movements.
Whilst following methods to keep the military and political power with their own, because of
the greed to power led them to kill each other‟s to keep them on the summit. But finally
LTTE got the chance to represent as the one and only representative of the Sri Lanka n Tamil
ethnic community. Guerilla attacks to armed forces and destroy the infrastructural facilities,
and attacks to Sinhala and Muslim civilians were built up the ethnic conflict in society more
and more strong which can‟t be removed easily. Those can be mentioned as communal
actions and strategies to overcome the repression and oppression according to genesis under
Azar‟s theory.
39.
As a reply to Tamil united front leaders, with the view of peace keeping, Indian
government entered into the problem with the indo-Sri Lanka accord, 1987 and by that Sri
Lanka was affected in two ways. By that, it was tried to implement the provincial council in
Sri Lanka and establish autonomy in north and east as a foundation to Elam concept. And by
these kinds of interventions to political status of adjacent states, India showed its ends to
become the super power of region and keep other states as under controlled. This shows how
international relations badly affected to the rising ethnic conflicts in Sri Lanka as a
developing country according Azar’s theory of protracted Social conflict( in a developing
country, economy is totally dependent on foreign investments).
40.
With the operation Giant Step, by which terrorist activities were limited in to Jaffna
peninsula and thousands of terrorists were killed due to maximum fire power of the Sri
Lankan military forces. With the operation liberation, Sri Lankan government wanted to free
the Jaffna from terrorism and to establish the civil ruling system in Jaffna. But that was failed
due to the intervention of India to the national problem. This shows the state action and
strategies and built in mechanisms of conflict according to Azar‟s theory under the process
dynamics. These things showed the coercive repression towards the Tamil liberal activities.
Effects of long term conflict were made due to behaviors of government party.
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41.
And also Indo-Sri Lanka Accord was failed because Tamils representatives were not
a party to this accord. Because of this conflict, during last 30 years of time, political
development was restricted and controlled severely and that led to decrease the economic
development of the country. Each and every government who came into power had to find
solutions for this ethnic conflict. This led to effects on operation of political institutions in
various development sectors. Time to time, though many discussions held, nothing suggest a
remedy which could be operated. That spread pessimism throughout the society. That
demoralized the leaders and immobilized peace searching solutions. So this conflict had
become a part of the culture of the population during last 3 decades. As above mentioned, this
can be explained by using outcome analysis under the theory of protracted social conflict by
Azar. That caused to extend this conflict till May 2009 till the victory achieved by
humanitarian operation.
EARLY STEPS TAKEN TO SOLVE THE ETHNIC CONFLICT
42.
First attempt to solve the rising Tamil Elam struggle was taken in Bhutan during 1983
July 8-13 and august 12-17 and this was known as Thimphu peace talking which was mainly
led by Indian government. Internal ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and Tamil immigration to
India in thousands and Elam struggle became a security threat to Indian national security
were the main reasons to the intervention of India to the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka.
Another things were that the partialness of Tamil Nadu for making separatism in Sri Lanka
and intention of India to use the Sri Lanka as the under controlled state of India. This caused
to facilitate the burning ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka by giving military aids to terrorists to
develop the separatism in Sri Lanka make unstableness inside the country to gain political
advantages to India to become the power of the region.
43.
In Thimphu statement, following suggestions were presented as a remedy to Tamil
problem. Recognition of Tamils as one nation, legal recognition to the concept of Tamil
territory within Sri Lanka, right of Tamils to self-governing and right of Tamil to full
citizenship and the fundamental human rights were based on the concept of separatism and
separate Tamil territory in Sri Lanka.
44.
Attacks to Jaffna fortress and Karainagar naval base, and continuous attacks to police,
LTTE attack to Anuradhapura Sri MahaBodiya and killing of nearly 150 devotees and armed
forces members were caused to fail the attempts of peace in Thimphu. And also
representatives from LTTE, EROS, TELO, PLOTE, EPRLF, and TULF didn‟t show much
more interest to go for a peace solution and they used that as a stage to publish the concept of
Elam to world. In 1985, Thimpu discussions were failed to achieve any peace settlement due
to genocide of the Sri Lanka n army against Tamils.
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45.
In 1986, SAARC meeting also was got failed because Mr. JR Jayawardhene,
president was not prepared to accept the idea of merger the Northern and Eastern provinces
and Pirabhakaran was not ready to compromise the demand for Elam and accept the concept
of three provinces for Tamil, Sinhala and Muslims.
46.
From the Indira government as well as from the Rajiv Gandhi government , it was
introduced the devolution of power to solve the Tamil problem by merging the north and east
to form one province and by imposing governing powers to north and east provincial
council. President JR Jayawardhene had to give his consent even he was reluctant to those
suggestions.
47.
As a peace keeping method, combination of Indian ministries and LTTE leadership
present some suggestions to the JR government and force to operate December 19
suggestions. By them it was suggested that Batticoloa and Trincomalee should be attached to
Northern Province to establish a semi sovereign state within Sri Lankan territory. That was
opposed by a larger wave of nationalistic people in south and president JR had to go for a
military solution with that.
48.
So this was initiated with the operation Giant Step, by which terrorist activities were
limited in to Jaffna peninsula and thousands of terrorists were killed due to maximum fire
power of the Sri Lankan military forces. This was used by Tamil diasporas to show the
international community that the genocide of the Tamil people by the attacks of state forces
and by famine occurred within Jaffna because of the imposed restrictions to transport.
49.
With the operation liberation, Sri Lankan government wanted to free the Jaffna from
terrorism and to establish the civil ruling system in Jaffna. But that was failed due to the
intervention of India to the national problem. As the results of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord in
1987 july29, JR had to give the official recognition to suggestions such as giving local
governmental powers to the north and east provinces, giving autonomy to it by constitutional
amendments, stopping the peace keeping operations in north and east provinces, imposing
security powers of north and east to the Indian peace keeping forces. As well as that Indian
government promised to demilitarize the Tamil terrorists. Flame of nationalism was spread
all over the south in Sri Lanka.
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50.
With the empowering of president Premadasa, his attempt to resolve the ethnic
conflict in Sri Lanka can be recognized as an honest attempt. But in 1989, discussions
between Premadasa government and LTTE, solutions for prevailing ethnic conflict was not
taken in to consider, but , there it was discussed about removing of Indian peace keeping
forces from north and east, a memorandum of understanding, legal recognition to the
combined north and east provincial council, removing government security forces from their
activities in north and east and freedom to Tamil LTTE cadres who were imprisoned due to
their illegal and state against activities. As a step to pretend that LTTE wants to enter in to the
national political system to gain a political remedy to Tamil problem, it was registered a party
led by Mahaththya.
51.
With the power of President Chandrika Bandaranayke, as a liberal leader, it was given
the attention to peace talking with LTTE to resolve the ethnic conflict rising during 2
decades.
52.
During the power of president Chandrika, many areas in Colombo and in 1998,
Kandy Dalanda Maligawa was attacked by LTTE. These things spread the bad impression
towards the LTTE and it extended to Swards the whole Tamil people in Sri Lanka. Concept
of traditional Tamil home and in north and east of Sri Lanka and autonomy to that state unit
was emerged.
53.
In 1997, according to the federal concepts it was published a bill consisting of the idea
of devolution of powers to the combined north and east provincial council as a remedy to the
prevailing Tamil terrorism. But the self-governing powers of the north and east provincial
council were wider than that of in a federal state. As well as that, the above was rejected by
LTTE leaders. during the last 30 years of time, according to the Elam concepts right of
Tamil nation to establish a Tamil state within Sri Lanka and north and east should be state
unit under controlled by Tamil people were the key reason to break the each and every step
to peace taken by prior governments. Devolution of self-governing powers to north and east,
would give a remedy to separatism and would it become a strategic step to binary fusion of
Sri Lankawere the questions and disputes always behind the each and every attempt of peace.
Therefore up to now any of these attempts were not fruitful.
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CHAPTER FOUR
ACTIONS ARE BEING TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT TO ENHANCE THE
ETHNIC HARMONY AND ACHIEVE THE DEVELOPMENT ENDS
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) & RE-SETTLEMENT:
54.
During entire period of the conflict and particularly at the last stages of hostilities
between Govt. Forces & the terrorists, a large number of Internally Displaced persons (IDPs)
were liberated from the clutches of LTTE. The government incurred LKR 3.5 Billion towards
this cost.
55.
Simultaneous efforts were made to clear the landmines and other unexploded
ordinances (UXOs) and to repair the road, irrigation, power and telecommunications
infrastructure. It is noteworthy here that the local Government elections for North and East
were held in July 2011.
56.
The first phase of the resettlement concentrated on providing immediate humanitarian
assistance required for returning IDPs. Such as: food rations, non-food relief items, medicine,
shelter material. Provision of livelihood assistance to create income generating activities by
way of inputs, equipment & support services in the fields of agriculture, livestock and
fisheries formed the second phase of the process. In the third phase, mega-scale projects on
socioeconomic development vis-à-vis job/wealth creation, health & education, multi-model
transport & ICT infrastructure development have been initiated. By end September 2011, a
total of 384,401 people (112,592 families) were resettled in the Northern Province.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
57.
The immediate challenge at the end of conflict was the creation of a mine free
environment in the conflict affected areas. Sri Lanka has made steady progress in demining
activity by clearing almost 500 sq. km for resettlement of IDPs At present about 60% of land
have been cleared by spending Rs 3.7 Billion. Some of the High Security Zones (HSZs) have
also been removed by allowing inhabitants to return to their original places of living. The
government has launched 21 large scale projects with a total investment of Rs. 95 billion of
which the investment in 2010 alone was about Rs. 27 billion (from 2006-2010 the total
investment in North and East provinces is Rs. 183 billion). Most of these projects will be
completed.
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58.
In the sphere of long term development drive, the government embarked on two
ambitious and targeted programmes, namely “Eastern Rising” and “Northern Spring” as long
term strategies for poverty reduction and socio-economic development in the war ravaged
areas. Especial attention was also paid to N&E under the national programmes such as “Maga
Naguma” (Road Development), “Gama Naguma” (Village Development), “Gami Diriya”
(Village Strengthening) and one million backyards household economy development plan.
REHABILITATION OF EX-COMBATANTS AND CONFLICT AFFECTED
YOUTH:
59.
At the end of the armed conflict, there were 11,664 youngsters who confessed to
involvement with the LTTE, majority of them on forced conscription. Sri Lankan government
adopted an approach to rebuild their lives through spiritual and religious, educational and
vocational, psychosocial, recreational, social and family and creative arts in rehabilitation.
With the reintegration of 367 rehabilitees with the society on Oct. 25, 2011, the process of
rehabilitation of youngsters is complete with in 2 years with the exception of -1000 who have
received Court orders for rehabilitation who will have to spend an additional year in the
rehabilitation centers. The FCCISL CHEER (Chamber-Network Engagement in Economic
Rehabilitation) project, funded by the EU under its EU-ACAP Programme — (European
Union Assistance for Conflict Affected People) and implemented by OXFAM also provided
500 rehabilitees with vocational training in construction field related skills and competencies.
LESSONS LEARNT AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION (LLRC):
60.
The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) was established in
August 2010, with 8 independent eminent persons being appointed to the commission, to
support the drive towards national unity and reconciliation after decades of division. The
Commission is part of an ambitious and wider package of measures taken by the Sri Lankan
government to drive the process of reconciliation and create the basis for a stable, prosperous
future.
61.
The interim report of the LLRC submitted to H.E. the President, highlights five areas
for prompt action vis-à-vis (i) Detention (ii) Land Issues (iii) Law and Order (iv)
Administration and Language Issues and (v) Socio Economic and Livelihood Issues. The
50% of these recommendations are already implemented.
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62.
Each and every post-conflict reconciliation process has its unique characteristics thus
requiring a unique solution. Sri Lanka is no exception in this regard. Developing
infrastructure and building institutions and providing inputs for economic activities alone do
not achieve long lasting peace and durable reconciliation. It is equally important to capture
the hearts and minds of the people and eradicate the root causes and address those issues
resolutely to assure recurrence of such unfortunate conflict will never occur in Sri Lanka.
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CHAPTER FIVE
CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS IN POST CONFLICT SRI LANKA
63.
The most important thing is to ensure the sovereignty of the state and eliminating the
risen of terrorism again.
64.
The devolution of police power and land rights according to 13th amendment of 1978
constitution is not a solution to grievances of affected parties. So it is recommended a home
grown constitutional arrangement which reflect needs of multi ethnic society of Sri Lanka.
Under 1978 constitution, Police power and Land power, have not been actually delegated to
provincial council in practice.
65.
Early traces of terrorists‟ movements can be discovered by exercise of police powers.
66.
Land powers should be given to central government (by that high security zones were
able to establish as a defense strategy of the government). It should not be given to provincial
council administration.
67.
According to prof. Nirmala Naganadan, legitimate Tamil grievances can be resolved
by executive action and through legislative action with presidential fiat. Devolution of power
can be done by using smallest possible units of operation. Grameeya sabhas should be taken
as preferable unit of devolving power to people. It would be reduced the corruption and
mismanagement and that is the best way of checking the use of resources.
68.
As a final recommendation, police and land powers should be given to Grameeya
sabhas and it should be promoted the democracy.
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EDUCATION AS A TOOL OF ENHANCING ETHNIC HARMONY
69.
National curriculum placed a vital role in promoting positive inter-ethnic relation by
including the idea of unity among ethnic groups.
70.
In 2003, national education commission introduce national framework on general
education in promoting peace building, civic values and social cohesion.
i.
Encourage students to offer civics and citizenship education in the GCE O/L
by making it a compulsory subject in the GCE O/L Examination.
ii.
Promote bilingual or trilingual education starting in lower secondary classes.
By that children from different ethnic groups can study together.
iii.
Arrange seminars and workshops for the civics and citizenship Education,
History teachers emphasizing the practical side of the subjects not just the concept
and theories.
71.
Teacher development programmes should be introduced to educate teachers in
accepting the real nature of Sri Lankan society and to promote respect for diversity and
equality.
ATTITUDINAL CHANGES
72.
The concept of nation is something which should be come from the heart. For
example, Prabhakaran was still a Sri Lankan citizen while fighting against it but he was never
a member of a Sri Lankan nation.
73.
The different between state and nation is needed to comprehend. There are many
detrimental attitudes within Sri Lankan society which should be removed such as, Labeling
and treating Sri Lanka as Pure Sinhala state, concept of two nations in Sri Lanka (Tamils and
Sinhala) and ideology of Exclusive Tamil homeland in northern and Eastern provinces.
74.
Following attitudes should be encouraged.
i.
View regarding Sri Lanka as a single sovereign state is important to enhance
the national integration.
ii.
Sri Lanka is one nation consisting of several communal groups such as
Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims.
iii.
Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic state. Everybody is equal and Sri Lanka is the
home land of all of its citizens.
iv.
It is required to create patriotism to the country first to build national
integration.
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BROADER ECONOMIC POLICY FRAMEWORK
75.
According to Mahinda chinthanaya future vision and Mahinda chinthanaya ran Doratu
followings should be included in a Broad economic policy framework.
i.
Possible political settlement.
ii.
Leading to lasting sustainable peace.
iii.
Reconciliation and settlements.
iv.
Improve economic prospect with equal resource distribution through „Uthuru
wasanthaya, Nagenahira udanaya and other major development project.
CONTRIBUTION OF MILITARY
76.
Humanitarian Assistance, Social economic development and Political engagement can
be considered as the contribution of military forces other than war fighting.
i.
Economy development totally depends on national defence. National defence
have a huge responsibility to keep peace and harmony in our country.
ii.
We can get the maximum support of the armed forces for de-mining,
resettlement, and for rehabilitation projects. Developing infrastructure facilities in war
affected areas can be done with the help of try forces. They have well trained man
power, machines equipment in every field. These facilities can be utilized to enhance
the national economy.
iii.
Military intelligence should be taken to a higher standard and proper spying in
order to identify the new threats to the nation.
iv.
To defeat Tamil Diaspora, government have to take following actions.
a.
b.
c.
Develop international communication and media network to Sri Lanka.
Build up good diplomatic relationship with other countries.
Developing favourable Tamil political leadership to Sri Lanka.
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RESET THE SRI LANKAN FOREIGN POLICY
i.
Sri Lankan foreign policy should be globalized. It should have socialist fair
relationship with both capitalist and socialist countries in order to reduce our dependence
ii.
A flexible foreign policy of gaining support of friendly countries and minimize the
external apportions, play a vital role in preventing external influence which can effect on
ethnic harmony in the country.
iii.
We have to adopt of strengthen diplomatic ties with the countries in all continents
proving our non-aligned policy and especially with the China, India and Russia.
IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATION BASEDON LLRC
77.
The Commission takes the view that the root cause of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lank
lies in the failure of successive Governments to address the genuine grievances of the Tamil
people. Government should pay a fair attention to response to sufferings of minority groups.
It will prevent the rising of ethnic conflict.
78.
Suspects for terrorist activities should be taken in to custody after a regular procedure
of investigation. Otherwise it‟ll be a reason to disturb or break in internal peace among
communal groups.
79.
Government should pay compensation for families who were affected and suffered
due to people who in missing in action .It‟ll help to keep environment peace and harmony.
80.
LTTE suspects should be rehabilitated in technical and professional way to make
them as a part of a development process of country.
81.
Rising of illegal activities and organizations in North and East, also infringement of
human rights of those areas should be prevented. By that intervention of International
Organization of Human Rights in to Sri Lanka can be stopped. It should be followed a regular
investigation to control those. It will safe guard the sustainable long lasting peace in Sri
Lanka.
82.
Muslims who had to leave their home lands during war period should be resettled. It
will prevent rising of a conflict between Sinhalese and Muslims.
83.
Rights of expression and rights of information should be equal to all communities,
and there should not be any difference of it. It will enhance the internal peace.
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84.
According to LLRC all the people should have rights or freedom to believe their own
favorable religion. It shouldn‟t be infringed.
85.
Government should take steps to increase and distribute infrastructure in Tamil
majority areas similar to other areas of the country.
Eg: Uthuru Wasanthaya, Nagenahira Navodhaya.
86.
Language is a key factor which needs to harmonize communal groups. It should be
followed a proper language policy, minority should be allowed to use their own language for
their own matters.
87.
Tamil fluency police officers and state officers should be appointed at least in Tamil
majority areas.
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CHAPTER SIX
CONCLUSION
88.
After the end of 30 years’ war with LTTE which was considered as the most terrible
and dangerous terrorist organization, as country, Sri Lanka is looking for its own freedom and
brilliant industrial, economic, technical, social and spiritual development to tally with the
new developing world Sri Lanka is currently undergoing the longest peace ever in its 3
decade old ethnic conflict. However, even though guns remain silent, a permanent peace
seems to still be a distance reality. But threats to sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri
Lanka are still working in different forms. Hope for permanent peace can be destroyed and it
would be pushed the country back to another conflict. Internal cohesion is required to insulate
the country from disruptive forms that attempt to undermine the military victory. Therefore
ethnic harmony should be enhanced to secure the country from post conflict challenges from
Sri Lanka.
89.
There was some hope of peace on political backgrounds, recent political turmoil have
made that expectation a distant reality to achieve peace political stability should be in existed
in a country.
90.
Our intention of doing this is to point out the importance of ethnic harmony in
development of the country and prevent the future crisis in Sri Lanka and to point out the
ways which can be used to increase the harmony among communities. By using past crisis
and lessons learnt from them can be used to prevent the future crisis in Sri Lanka.
91.
As a whole and as the final, the violent outbreaks in conflict areas, actions of
extremists and general ideologists indicate much more works to be done in achieving a
peaceful atmosphere conductive for national productivity.
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REFERENCES
Books
Maj. Gen. Afsir Karim (Avsm) and Maj. Shankar Bhador, The Sri Lankan
Crisis, 1990
i.
ii.
iii.
Victor Evonss, The paradise in tears, 2008
LTTE the international dimension of terrorism, 2007
The Annual Report, 2010, Ministry of Finance & Planning, Sri Lanka
Websites
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
http://www.asiantribune.com
http://www.ebscohost.com
http://www.groundreport.com
http://www.topssrilanka.com
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