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Introduction:
Srilanka is island state located in Indian Ocean, in the South Asia. The original inhabitants of this island state known as Veddas came to this island long before the arrival of both Tamils and Sinhalese but now they comprise of less then 1% of the population and are considered equal in rank to Sinhala Goyigama chaste.
The conflict between Sinhala majority and Tamil minority is one of the oldest disputes in this contemporary world. Academics from the both sides claim that the insurgency of Tamils is only the latest demonstration of 2500 years old Tamil, Sinhala conflict. Both sides claim on the land but the question that who came first, Sinhalese or Tamils on the island is a quite controversial one. The prominent Cambridge scholar Paul Peris who is also a prominent Sinhalese intellectual observes.

“… It stands to reason that a country which was only thirty miles from India and which would have been seen by Indian fisherman every morning as they sailed out to catch their fish, would have been occupied as soon as the continent was peopled by men who understood how to sail… Long before the arrival of Prince Vijaya, there were in Sri Lanka five recognized isvarams of Siva, which claimed and received adoration of all India. These were Tiruketeeswaram near Mahatitha; Munneeswaram dominating Salawatta and the pearl fishery; Tondeswaram near Mantota; Tirkoneswaram near the great bay of Kottiyar and Nakuleswaram near Kankesanthurai. Their situation close to these ports cannot be the result of accident or caprice and was probably determined by the concourse of a wealthy mercantile population whose religious wants called for attention….[i]“

Geography of Srilanka.

Srilanka is a pear shaped island of Indian Ocean located in south Asia separated from India (22 miles) by small strait called Palk bay. Its geographic coordinates are 7 00 N, 81 00 E. Total area of srilanka is 65610 sq km in which 64740 sq km is land and 870 km is water. It has cost line of nearly 1340 km[ii].
The land is mostly flat to rolling planes with mountains in south and central interior. Highest point in Srilanka is Pidurutalagala that is 2524 meters. Mahaweli Ganga and Aruvi Aru are the longest of sixteen rivers. Srilanka is divided into nine administrative districts namely as Western, Southern, Uva, Eastern, Central, Sabaragamuwa, North Western, North Central, and Northern. Srilanka is a monsoon region where climate is tropical with little seasonal variations with humidity frequently around 90 %.[iii]Srilanka has a strategic location in the region, which is due to the sea and air lanes, which connect east, west, and south, converge here. Its strategic importance can be judged by the fact that allies established their GHQ in srilanka to control their forces in East Asia against Japanese during Second World War.

Distribution of Population
The total population of Srilanka is 19,905,165[iv] in which Sinhalese consists of 74% (14,729,822 approx), Tamils 18%(3,582,929 approx)[v], Moors 7%(1,393,362 approx) and other groups as Veddas, Euro-Asians, Burgers, and Malays consist rest of remaining 1% (199,052 approx).

Sinhalese are ethnically Aryans who came to srilanka some 2500 years (as far as known history tells) ago. Nearly all of them are Buddhists. They comprise 74 % of population. They speak Sinhala. There are two types of Sinhalese and there is clear difference between them. Kandyan Sinhalese are those who lived in kingdom of kandy which remained independent until 1818,they are conservative strict Buddhists who have less respect for any thing less than Buddhism they are concentrated in high plane region of Srilanka. The type Sinhalese known as low Country Sinhalese experienced great changes in 400 years of European rule. Many of them adopted Christianity and excelled in modern education. These Sinhalese are the elite of present Srilanka.

Tamils are the second most important ethnic group in Srilanka, comprising of 18 % of total population. They belong to Dravidian race and speak Tamil, which is one of the oldest living languages on Earth. Tamils are concentrated in north; east and northwest of Srilanka There are two types of Tamils living in Srilanka Tamils who came to island thousands of years ago and are called Srilankan Tamils. These are high caste Tamils. They makes of 12.7% of the Srilankan population. These Tamils are Hindus in religion and worship Hindu deities and saints. However, about 4.3% of these have adopted Christianity and have their own churches. Tamils who were brought by British to work in their tea plantations are called Indian Tamils. These Tamils are low caste Tamils and comprise of 5.5% of population. Among these Indian Tamils about 7.6 % are Christians. This large ethnic minority of Tamils is separated from mainstream Sinhala culture and is in it self split in two major groups with their Christian minorities.

Moors are another important minority in Srilanka. By religion, they are Muslims descendent of Arab traders who came to this island centuries ago. In addition, of those who in search of business and prosperity came from India. During Portuguese rule, these Muslims suffered a lot and moved to central highlands to avoid prosecution.

The other groups like Veddas, Malays, Euro-Asians etc comprise of only 1% of population. Malays are Muslims; Veddas have mixed in Sinhalese and are more like a caste then a separate ethnic identity.[vi] Burgers and Euro-Asians are Christians who live in urban areas.

PART I

History of Tamil, Sinhala conflict
The early Sinhalese (according to known history) came to the island some 2500 years ago with Prince Vijaya from Bengal. Bhikku, the writer of Sinhala chronicle Mahavamsa, records that Vijay’s arrival coincided with enlightenment of Buddha[vii]. Sinhala who are very friendly people soon absorbed local Veddas in to their communities. Tamils, it is thought may have came to the island few centuries after the arrival of Sinhalese[viii]. During this era, relations between two races were exelent. Tamil and Sinhala people married and helped each other on different occasions. However, situation changed when in 5th century A.D South Indian Tamil Hindu states emerged. These Hindu kingdoms from time to time invaded Ceylon generating Sinhalese nationalism and identity consciousness among the people. In Ceylon, Tamil population rose gradually due to migration from south India and when in 13th century Sinhala kingdom of Northern planes collapsed Sinhalaese moved southward resulting in the creation of Tamil kingdom in Jaffna peninsula.[ix]This Tamil kingdom existed until the mid of 17th century. Tamil, Sinhala conflicts in this era were mostly sporadic then a continuous ones. This was partly due to tolerant and friendly nature of Sinhalese and partly because of large nomans land between the two kingdoms. During this era, Many Sinhala kings’ married South Indian Tamil girls and many Tamils served on important appointments in Sinhala kingdom. During this era at many instances, Tamil kings assisted Sinhalese against their enemies and vice versa. This era is also marked with religious tolerance on both sides.[x]

Colonization of Srilanka first by Portuguese, then by Dutch and than British brought many changes on the island. The British, especially implemented their policy of divide and rule. Tamil minority, which was more cooperative to the new masters then the Sinhalese, got the special attention from the masters. The door of government jobs opened for Tamils where as Sinhalese especially Kandyan, like Muslims of subcontinent, remained proud and ignorant enough to adopt alien influence. British knowingly the situation of Tamil minority in srilanka, gave more opportunities to them. They codified their laws, built rail, and road networks in order to integrate Tamil areas into governmental structure.

Kandyan Sinhalese who were very distinct from lowland Sinhalese because they remained independent until 1818 and successfully resisted foreign domination suffered the most. Whereas lowland Sinhalese tried to get advancement and due to their experience under foreigners performed better when opportunities that arose in highlands after plantation economy came to being in highlands in 19th century.

Low country Sinhalese moved up ward to hill country as traders, entrepreneurs, artisans, and professional men but they encountered opposition from Kandyan’s who were still attached to traditional ways and who now faced economic threats from their brother Sinhalese. British started bringing south Indian Tamils to Ceylon to work on their tea plantations. Colonial administration used them for doing unpleasant works. In 1931, these Tamils exceeded the number of Ceylon Tamils and together both constituted about 25 percent Tamil population on the island. Indian Tamil presence on hill country, working on plantations brought sense of being minority in the minds Kandyan Sinhalese who started taking these (Indian Tamils) as alien threat to their existence.

One impact which colonization brought upon the inhabitants was that the colonial rulers promoted their language and neglected local languages especially Sinhala and Tamil. This resulted in resurrection of both Tamil and Sinhalese race conciousness. The writeings of N.V.Thirugnanasambanda Pilli (Tamil) and of John de Silva and Piyadasa Sirisena (Sinhalese)played important role in resurrecting ethnic identities.

Two most important impacts which can be observe of colonial era are first, by the start of 20th century English language became the only stair of getting good jobs and those who had english education became dominated in the society. Due to efforts of Christian missionaries Tamils had better education in English as compared to Low country Sinhalese and Kandyan Sinhalese. According to figures of 1911, 4.9 percent male Tamils were literate in English as compare to 0.7 % of male Kandyan and 3.5 % of low land Sinhalese.[xi] Things started to change for Sinhales when government started oppening schools in Sinhala Areas after 1920..

Secondly, constitutional development of nineteen and twenty century had impact on only elites of Tamil and Sinhala. The legislative assemblies were not constructed realistically for instance; the assembly of 1921 had 12 Sinhalese and 10 non-Sinhalese where as Sinhalese constituted more than 70 percent of Srilankan population. Things changed when in 1931 out of 61 seats (eight were nominated by governor and three were official members) Sinhalese won 38 seats. This troubled Tamils because they had special privileges under British and never wanted to accept Sinhalese dominance who were in majority on the island As independence came near Tamil leader G.G.Ponnambalm put forward a scheme under which Sinhalese were given only half seats in legislative assembly and half ministries.

When the independence came unlike other British colonies, there was not even a single incidence of violence which was because the thoughtful leadership of D.B. Jayatilaka and D.S. Senanayake. This [leadership] considered Srilanka a multiethnic country. Tamil leader ship though indifferent responded cautiously with their formula of open cooperation to these leaders. The political compromise of Tamil and Sinhala elites was on the secular nature of future Srilanka. However, British discriminations of past especially with Sinhalese started showing their effects. When legislative assembly seats were distributed among nine provinces according to areas, Tamil concentrated, areas got eight out of these 25 seats and when the electorate seats were distributed according to population Tamils had to suffer more. In 1946, Indian Tamils formed half the population of srilanka. Sinhalese fear of Tamil dominance in hill country area led to Ceylon state council (elections) order in the council of 1931 which required proof of 5 years residency certificate before grant of right to vote. This restriction was not implemented because British were very sympathetic to Tamils. Registration of Indian Tamils grew rapidly in 1930’s. Seven Indian Tamils gained seats in first house of representative in 1947 elections. Senanayake and UNP (united national party) regarded Indian Tamils as aliens and rightfully thought them as temporary residents.

Tamil Sinhala conflict after Independence
After the independence, three laws came in to force: Ceylon citizenship act of 1948, Indian and Pakistani residents (citizenship) act of 1949 and parliamentary elections (amendment) act of 1949. All these taken together removed vast majority of Indian Tamils from electoral lists.[xiii] Due to these acts, Sinhalese gained 80 % seats because there were no Indian Tamils to influence results. However, it also resulted in formation of Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (Ceylon Tamil state party) this party provided an organization for Tamil nationalists.In 1964 and 1974, Srilankan government granted nationality to thousands of Indian while only 260,000 were repatriated to India as agreed by leaders of both countries.

There are four issues, which are cause of conflict between Sinhalese and Tamils; the first one is of language. In colonial era, English language was key to good jobs. Colonial rulers favored Tamils and due to missionary efforts, Tamils were far better educated then Sinhalese majority. It was quite natural when after independence deprived majority came into power it used its right to introduce its language as the national language, so that they can do well. That is why in elections of 1956; S.W.R.D Bandaranike came into power with promise of replacing English with Sinhalaese as official language to provide opportunities to poor Sinhala majority.

Tamil leadership exploited this issue is with out realizing the poor conditions of majority people of the country. Tamil leaders exploited this issue in their constituencies to win support and bolster their seats. However, during their efforts interestingly anglophile Sinhalese supported them.[xiv] Nevertheless, the Bandaranike – Chelevanayakam pact on 20 July 1957 recognized Tamil as a language of minority and administrative language in northern and eastern provinces, with out prejudice to Sinhala as official language. Pro Sinhalese organizations ultra nationalist parties protested against this and were joined by UNP.
In 1958, Tamil Federal Party organized a protest against Sinhala lettering on number plates on motor vehicles in Tamil areas. In 1958, Bandaranike under the pressure of nationalist groups renounced his pact with federal party that resulted in riots. This event created a big rift between two communities.

Bandaranike’s government attempted once again to reconcile by passing Tamil language (special provision) Act no.28 of 1958, providing for use of Tamil in Tamil dominated areas for administrative purposes. In 1961, a law was passed which provided for progressive replacement of English by Sinhalese in all courts of law. Public servants appointed after 1956 were required to attain proficiency in Sinhalese to obtain their posts. In 60’s was clear that Sinhalese was the only way to get into public services. At that time, Tamils felt that careers openings for them in civil services were very limited. Federal party tried to arrange civil disobedience and agitation but failed because the government in time declared emergency. The movement of Sinhalese as official language was closely related with that for support of Buddhism. Tamils who are in reckonable minority thought it against their interests.

After the independence, Srilankan government tried to introduce few economic reforms in order to restructure rural economy. For this reason Sinhalese were encouraged to settle in north central and eastern regions of the country, which remained sparsely populated for centuries. Tamils at their end interpreted this as an effort of colonizing their land by Sinhalese. This caused tensions between Sinhalese and Tamils. The defeat of UNP by the SLFP led united front coalition in 1970 boded ill for Tamils[xv] in new constitution they not only reiterated the Sinhala as national language but also did not incorporated sec 29(3) of 1948 constitution which was regarded as instrument of protection of minority rights. They also incorporated a clause in constitution that made Buddhism as “principal” religion of the land.

In June 1971, Tamil federal party boycotted the constituent assembly. In the same year, government introduced new admission policy on the plea of giving share to Tamil and Sinhala medium students. In addition, enforced quota system that increased frustration in Tamil youth. Who received only few seats due to their less percentage in population. Unfortunately, due to these developments first time since independence, Ceylon Tamil parties (Federal party and Tamil congress) together with Indian Tamil leadership (Ceylon workers congress) joined hands and formed Tamil United Front. This in 1975 openly called for independent Tamil state and changed its name from Tamil united front to Tamil united liberation front. Although TULF pledged to be non-violent but Tamil, youth soon turned their back on this pledge.[xvi]In 1977 elections, TULF won 16 seats on the mandate of separate state for Tamil. In the same year disinformation about the killings of Sinhalese in Tamil areas instigated riots against Tamils in Sinhalese areas that enraged Tamils. Moreover, their belief for their Eealam became stronger.

Initially 35 militant groups were created, of which group named as liberation Tigers of Tamil Eealam (LTTE) gained fame and became one of the most formidable terrorist group in the world led by a genius leader Vilupillai Prabahakaran.

The victory UNP led by J.R. Jayewardene marked the era of the efforts of reconciliation by Sinhalese. Indian Tamil leadership tried to help resolving the conflict but Ceylon Tamils decided against all efforts. Although government tried to win hearts but Tamils, choose the gun and to this day are fighting for their Eealam.

PART II
Insurgency of LTTE
LTTE is toughest insurgent / Terrorist movement in Srilanka, and in the World. It has proved that no other insurgent or terrorist movement in the contemporary world can be considered equivalent to it. It is a terror group with its own army and navy equipped with modern weapons and intelligence system and with the most effective propaganda machinery.

Origin of LTTE.

LTTE’s links with TULF originated long before TULF got mandate for separate Tamil Eealam[xvii]. Initially out of 35 militant Tamil groups, TNT (Tamil National Tigers) got the fame and emerged as the most powerful force in Jaffna. Vilupillai Prabahakaran, 18-year school dropout, formed TNT in 1972. It gained attention when in 1976 TNT assassinated Jaffna governor. Appapillai Amirthalingam, leader of TULF started supporting LTTE because he believed that his authority over Tamil politics would enhance if he had a control over militant groups. Two of the important youth wing members of TULF namely Uma Maheswaran and Urmila Kandiah on his instigation joined LTTE the former as its chairman and later as first woman member in effort to make it powerful and popular militant organization. Amirthalingam also introduced N.S. Krishnan to Prabahakaran. It was Krishnan who introduced Anton Balasingham to Prabahakaran who laid ideological foundation of LTTE in Marxist –Leninist ideology [xviii] Another TULF leader who showed interest and supported LTTE was V.N.Navaratnam, who was then a member of executive committee of Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU). He introduced many wealthy and influential Tamils living overseas to LTTE leadership and helped LTTE to established links with other insurgent groups like Moroccan insurgent group[xix].

One more important organization that helped LTTE was EROS (Eealam revolutionary organization of students) it helped LTTE to establish links with P.L.O (Palestinian liberation organization) and it was EROS due to which Uma Maheswaran got training in AL Fatahs training camps in Lebanon along with Vichweshwaran (who later joined LTTE).[xx]TLO (Tamil liberation organization) that originated in mid 70’s in London played an important role in helping LTTE to establish international links. It was absorbed in LTTE and started functioning as international arm of LTTE.[xxi]

Funding of LTTE.
LTTE has one of the most scientific systems of raising funds in the world. Its finical support comes from Tamil Diaspora and from few legal and illegal activities in which it has indulged it self. Before 1983, Tamil insurgent groups had no financial foundations to support them. Only source of income to support their operations was extortion but start of civil war in 1983 paved the way for money to reach these groups from the pockets of sympathizers. By the end of 1983, there were 100,000 Ceylon Tamils living in Tamil Nadu, India that swelled to double as conflict escalated. The exodus to west was equally intense[xxii]. As a result, over 450,000 Tamils became refugees worldwide. With establishment of propaganda cells in Europe and America, LTTE started developing sympathy in displaced Tamils and in the host countries resulting massive amount of money pouring in its accounts. By late 1996, 60% of LTTE war budget was generated from overseas.[xxiii]Another source of LTTE’s finance generation is its investment in stock and money market and in real estate business. LTTE also owns many shops located in different countries all over the world, which sells Asian spices along with propaganda material.

LTTE is also one of those advance insurgent groups who has its own fleet of deep ocean ships, which is known as sea pigeons. This department of ships is known as K.P department on the name of its head Kumaran Pathmanathan. Most members of this department have no criminal records nor have ever been into terrorist or insurgent activities.[xxiv] The sea pigeons move under the flag of Panama, Honduras, and Liberia and are registered in these countries.95 % of trade, which they do, is legal trade however last 5% is of smuggling hereon and arm trade. European and Asian intelligence agencies believe LTTE smuggle heroin from Burma to Europe abroad its fleet of ships. It also smuggle arms and ammunition for its own operation and that of brother terrorist/ insurgent organizations. LTTE also smuggle material such as gold from Jaffna to Tamil Nadu.

Training.
LTTE, which is Pseudo Marxist organization initially, had training for its cadres from retired Tamil elements of Srilankan army. In late seventies, however with help of Eros, LTTE leaders had the chance to be trained in Al Fatahs training camps in Lebanon. Before the direct covert involvement to Indian government, Tamil Nadu’s government had good relations with Tamil insurgent groups of Srilanka. During 1970’s, Tamil Nadu government gave bases to Srilankan insurgent groups. Policy of regional imperialism has always been a driving force in formulation of Indian foreign policy since its independence[xxv]. India from its birth maintained excellent relations with USSR and it was due to Srilankan government’s good relations with west especially with USA. Indian leadership thought (as projected by them) that Srilanka was giving right to US to build a military base at the port of Trincomalee, which in fact neither Srilankan government nor US have ever discussed. So due to this self created baseless fear India started training and supporting Tamil terrorists including LTTE. RAW (Research and analysis wing), the main intelligence and sabotage agency of India was ordered by Indra’s government to train and equip Tamil terrorists. The “Third agency of RAW,” a supra intelligence out fit started training Tamil insurgents in 32 training camps. By mid 1987, 20,000 insurgents had been trained and were provided weapons by central government of India and state government of Tamil Nadu. While most of the initial training was confined to military and paramilitary camps in utter Perdeash, specialized training was given in special training camps in New Delhi, Momby, and Vishakhapatnam[xxvi]. The most enigmatic training was given to insurgents in Dera Dun along with Bengali, Pakistani and Tibetan rebels.[xxvii]

With Indo –Lanka accord in 1987, Indian training closed. However, by this time LTTE had sufficient training camps and trained personals to train new recruits.

Arms procurement.
There are main five zones from which LTTE gets its weapons, which are
1. North east and South east Asia focusing on china, North Korea, Cambodia, Thailand Vietnam and Burma. LTTE procured SAM-7s from Cambodia via Thailand. LTTE has an access to Thai and Cambodian arms markets.[xxviii] Vietnam and Burma provide small arms and mines to LTTE.
2. South west Asia focusing on Afghanistan. LTTE maintained good relations with Afghan mujahedeen especially with Gull Badeen Hikmat Yar’s Hizb-e- Islami, which sells weapons to LTTE.
3. Former USSR focusing mainly on Ukraine, which in 1994 sold 10 tons of RDX and 50 tons of TNT out of which terrorists only used 300-400 kg to create hell in Colombo financial district in 1996[xxix]
4. South Eastern Europe and Middle East focusing on Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Iraqi – Turk Kurdish insurgent PKK sold American stinger missals to LTTE in 1996. Where as PLO and Syrians are also known to train and sell weapons to LTTE
LTTE’s Howitzers in Action in Jaffna
5. Africa focusing particularly on South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. South African government due to sanctions in 80’s sold weapons where as ANC trained and helped LTTE.
Other sources for procurement of weapons are India and LTTE’s own indigenous arm factories that are capable of producing many kinds of weapons including Pasilan-2000 rockets.

Weapons

LTTE use some of the most sophisticated weapons available. Its engineers have successfully developed some remarkable weaponry including rocket pieces, mortars, and mines. It has its own artillery and mortar batteries. Its artillery arsenal consists of 105-inch howitzers, medium, and heavy mortars. From Afghans it has acquired RPJ’s, SAM’s from Cambodia and stingers from PKK. It has also been able to develop and produce Pasilan 2000 rockets.
Intelligence

LTTE has a very strong and efficient intelligence service, best known as Tiger’s organization of security intelligence service or simply as TOSIS. Tigers are selected into this after very minute scrutiny. TOSIS members are taught from sabotage to counterintelligence and from eating to thinking in different scenarios. TOSIS has been able to infiltrate in Srilankan military and civil establishment. According to Srilankan sources, it appears that LTTE knows about every civil and military decisions well before they are put into action.[xxx] TOSIS has in filtrated into NIB and other Government intelligence agencies in the highest levels. In addition, its getting help from its sympathizers in RAW and other Indian agencies

International terror links
LTTE maintains good links with many of the world’s insurgent movements. The natures of its relations are tactical not strategic one. According to western and Asian intelligence sources, it has relations with Al Fatah, PLFP, and PKK in Middle East. From al Fatah and PLFP it took initial training and through PKK, it got Stingers[xxxii].
In South Asia LTTE, have links with Hizb-e –Islami and Hikmat Yar and with Kashmiri Mujahedeen and with Indian separatists movements like ULFA of Assam, Sikh movements of Punjab, Andhra peoples war group [xxxiii]
In East Asia LTTE, maintain relations with the groups like Khmer Rough; Japanese red army and other Marxist insurgent groups.[xxxiv]
In Europe and Latin America its link with FARC and other well known terror organizations[xxxv].
Part III
Military history of the conflict
Insurgency waged by LTTE is example of its own. It leadership and those who are led have proved that this private army of terror is far more superior strategically and tactically to the force it is fighting with. Here is a concentrated summery of its actions era wise.

Conflict in 70’s
The era of 70’s is an era in which LTTE and other insurgent groups took birth. TNT the group that became known as LTTE took birth in early 1970’s. During United, font government there were number of terrorist acts carried out by TNT.
In February 1971, bombs were thrown at the residence of Jaffna mayor. In March, a bomb was placed in his car. On 27 of august 1972, Prabahakaran leader of TNT (later LTTE) placed a bomb in a carnival in Jaffna, which was organized by the mayor Alfred Duriappah. On July 27 1975, Prabahakaran assassinated mayor of Jaffna with two other terrorists. In the era after in 1975, LTTE carried out many sporadic acts of terrorism against police stations in Jaffna and east province.
In addition, it attacked moderate Tamil leaders, Muslims and Sinhalese Civilians. It also killed many of the government informants.
In this era, we see very low terrorist operations by LTTE and other terror groups. It is because of lack of training and finances and due to week and not well-trained leadership. LTTE’s operations were more like gang actions for creating terror rather than that of mature insurgents. Actions were sporadic like that of criminals.
The techniques used were of bombing and attacking isolated government positions and civilians.

Conflict in 80’s
As Newton state’s “For every action there is always equal and opposite reaction” that is what happened in srilanka. LTTE’s acts of terrorism resulted in failure of all peace efforts of Jayewardene government
In July 1983, insurgent ambush killed 13 SLA (Srilankan army) soldiers that was the biggest lost of SLA in single day[xxxvi]. This resulted in anti Tamil riots in the country. In these riots, hundreds of civilians died on both sides. In Colombo and Jaffna area, alone 400 people were massacred and 100,000 left home less in these communal riots[xxxvii]. Srilanka government responded by deploying its armed forces to control unrest. By 1983, there were 10000 insurgents and their numbers grew rapidly. The small ill equipped SLA was not in position to control the insurgency. This gave excuse to LTTE to conduct open operations against Sinhalese.
India under its policy of regional imperialism and under the pressure of Tamil population of Tamil Nadu started training and helping insurgent groups. Now with the direct involvement of India, LTTE had the chance to be trained in Indian military and paramilitary institutions, which directly increased its capabilities against Sinhalese army. With Indian help, terrorists started executing bold operations and it became very difficult for government forces to enforce the writ of the government in the Tamil dominated areas. This fact frustrated SLA solders and under sheer frustration, they became brutal against Tamil population creating more volunteers for insurgents. Due to hard-handed approach of SLA, LTTE, and other insurgent groups started targeting Sinhala majority communities.

On 20 Nov 1984, Tamil force of company strength killed 27 police officers and destroyed police station in Jaffna exhibiting superb operational planning and coordination along with overwhelming firepower. In the same years, many ambushes were laid against security forces in which use of mortars, RPJ’s, and automatic weapons was reported.

In April 1985 three Muslims were killed in mosque while praying but Tamil terrorists this resulted in Muslim –Tamil riots in which dozens died and 30,000 had to become refugee. In this, year insurgent- security force contacts increased frequently. In the contacts security forces had to suffer great losses due good planning and training of insurgents. In one incident a parcel bomb sends to an army, formation killed many SLA men and damaged many buildings. In May 1985, insurgents attacked Anuradhapura; the most sacred Buddhist city in Srilanka in the disguise of security forces killing 180 civilians.

Assassination of Indra Ghandi in 1984 brought her son Rajeev Ghandi into power. From lengthy discussion held by Indian think tanks he concluded, that an independent Tamil state in Ceylon would be a security threat to India and it was conveyed to insurgents along with closure of training camps in India.
On 18 June 1985, it was announced that insurgents and Srilankan Government would try to find political solution to problem by discussing options by face-to-face talks. Indian change of policy came for the prime reason that presence of Tamil insurgents in Tamil Nadu was creating anti Hindi and pro Tamil nationalist passions in Tamil Nadu which gave rise to fears in New Delhi, of resurrection of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) like movement[xxxviii] demanding separation of Tamil Nadu from India. Due to Indian pressure insurgents and Srilankan announced to held talks in order to find peaceful political solution to on going civil war. The talks were held in Bhutan but failed, because the ceasefire that was agreed never effectively took place. By 1987, SLA seemed to have started to show some remarkable improvements and proved it self to be match to insurgents. Firstly, they secured half of the eastern province after that they drove insurgents out from Trincomalee port. And finally captured Mannar area on the northwestern coast. These successes made insurgents’ frustruated and they became rash. They disclosed their frustration in bombing Colombo and killing Buddhist monks. These acts made government to give green signal to armed forces to launch operation code named as “Liberation I in May. In this operation Jaffna was captured leaveing Jaffna city that according to wrong perception of insurgents was the main target. It was a great success for SLA. In June liberation II was set to be launched but at this time India could not take any more. India threatened srilanka by first time in history airdropping supplies to insurgents in Jaffna city. This made Srilankan government helpless. As it perceived no help will arrive for it against India. In 1987, Srilankan and Indian government signed an accord according to which Srilankan government agreed to give autonomy to Tamils in return India agreed to end its support to terrorists and to police the accord. Hence, Indian troops landed on Srilankan soil to enforce ceasefire between Tamils and Sinhalese. From July to August 1987, 7000 troops were dispatched to northeastern Srilanka. After only the three months of cease-fire, LTTE refused to acknowledge ceasefire and started opposing presence of IPKF (Indian Peace Keeping Force). With arrival of IPKF, Srilankan army was ordered to remain in its barracks. This had a very bad effect on SLA morale because the fruit of their sacrifices was seemingly being wasted. The arrogance Indian military leaders were overwhelming. They considered SLA as a week army and left no opportunity to taunt them. Soon they found out that SLA was one of the best-trained army and insurgents were one tough lot but they learned this fact after suffering great casualties.

The start of hostilities by LTTE made Indian army in funny condition. IPKF tried to arrange anti LTTE and pro peace groups to fight LTTE but failed miserably.
The rude and proud manner, by which IPKF treated SLA, made it against IPKF[xxxix] At last, Indian forces after loosing more than 1200 dead and thousands injured and missing left srilanka. The most disgraced retreat ever seen in the history.

In this decade, LTTE from a criminal gang emerged into an organization capable of challenging world’s biggest army. IPKF gave it a confidence, which can be seen in the defense of Jaffna where India Para dropped some of its elite forces who were massacred by LTTE and only few of them succeeded to come back alive that to due to SLA’s courageous action[xl]. In this decade, the gorilla activities of LTTE made SLA to take it seriously and acknowledge its deadly ness. In this era, we observe LTTE as a reckonable power capable of executing well planned and coordinated actions.

Effects of Indian intervention
Indian intervention had very negative effects on srilanka. First due to Indian pressure a momentum gained during liberation I, was lost. In addition, the insurgency, which could have been controlled in 87 was left to regroup it self.

Secondly, Indian treatment to SLA caused decay in its morale, effects of which can be observed in later part of the conflict.

For LTTE Indian intervention had positive effects; first, it was able to consolidate its position in Jaffna, which it would have lost if India had not intervened. Secondly fighting with Indian forces conditioned its cadres and gave them confidence which became symbol of LTTE terrorists.

Problems in controlling the insurgency
Political
Unfortunately, the raise of uncontrollable Sinhalese nationalism caused great rifts between Tamils and Sinhalese and added fire in the distrust between the two communities. The raise of JVC and its Maoist insurgency in 70’s caused lots of concern among Tamils. Who thought that from the independence they were loosing their rights and gaining nothing. Their fears increased when in late 70’s and in 80’s Sinhala, government started tackling them with highhanded approach. In past three decades majority of governments in Srilanka tried to crush Tamil insurgencies with out realizing that without solving political problems this cannot be possible. Tamils are Srilankan citizens not aliens they should be treated as citizens not as enemies and their problems should be addressed.

There are three steps of successful counterinsurgency and among these three first steps is location i.e. to locate insurgents. Second is isolation which can only be possible if either you achieve total control on the area surrounding insurgents or by winning hearts of population which helps you by not helping insurgents. This is only possible through political strategy, in which Srilankan did not make any gain.

UNF government of Ranil Wikramasinghe realized it and offered few concessions to Tamils, which resulted in the cease-fire by LTTE, which is a good sign and a step towards conflict resolution. The adoption of Tamil child by Present President Chandreka Kumaratunga after Tusmani is another good sign towards better future.

Drawbacks of Srilankan Armed forces
The Srilankan army got training from number of countries, which includes Britain, Israel, Pakistan, and USA. In the mid of 80’s SLA started showing some great achievements but due to Indian intervention it lost its morale and information systems.

The main cause of SLA’s failure in its fight against LTTE is its strategy. SLA is fighting a non-conventional war in conventional way. Leader ship thinks that they can win war by sheer weight of number and technology. This is not possible taking in mind what happened to IPKF that suffered reckonable casualties by the hand of LTTE. At this stage, only 20 percent of SLA consists of elite units where as at least 40 percent units of SLA should be elite troops to tackle terrorist group like LTTE. Lack of proper training is the biggest cause of SLA’s failure so far.

The intelligence system of government is very week. The MI (military intelligence) of SLA has been infiltrated by TOSIS agents, who derail assessments by the sources. Due to this weakness of intelligence, SLA had to suffer and will continue to suffer if a concrete intelligence system is not established. IPKF presence during late eighties had many negative effects on SLA one of the effect is loss of morale. Desertion is common in SLA due to lack of morale. Successful operations off LTTE had taken its toll SLA soldiers have become week in discipline and brutal in dealing with Tamils, which have ultimately added fuel in the difficulties, faced by them. Indian support is one more reason for SLA’s failure still elements of government of India are supporting Tamil terrorism. Srilanka is a small island and without international support cannot tackle terror organization like LTTE having support from Tamil elements of India and its establishment.

Prospect for peace
In 2001, the UNF led by Ranil Wikramasinghe replaced PA government. UNF is the in favor of giving the right of self-rule under federal government. Responding to this development LTTE announced cease-fire in 2002. With the help of third party mediation of Norway in past 2 years situation in srilanka is still calm. The Tusmani of December 2004 has also brought peoples of srilanka close. Muslims are helping Tamils and Tamils helping Sinhalese. Nature has brought people close to each other. Now prospects of peace are more than ever were. Conclusion

LTTE is the most deadly insurgent group in the world. Unfortunately, it has caused thousands of Tamils and Sinhalese deaths. This Marxist group has proved that it is more capable strategically and tactically than Srilankan government’s forces. It is also one of the few insurgent groups who have the capability of generating money in one theater, planning in another and fighting in another theater. Loyalty of its cadre to their cause is the biggest strength of LTTE.

As far as counterinsurgency by Srilankan army is concerned, the SLA appears o be on the loosing edge. Although SLA is one professional and well-trained army, but the biggest mistake it is committing is that it has learned very less from histories of insurgencies. It should have followed the advice of Sun Tzu who said “if you know your enemies capability and that of your self than there is nothing to fear” and “the best commander always makes his opponent to fight on ground of his choosing” unfortunately there is a bit of impression that SLA don’t understand the LTTE. The best example from which SLA can learn is that of British handling of insurgency in Malaya where British forces fought communist insurgents in unconventional ways and keeping in mind the tactics of rebels fought insurgents

Sinhala government should do efforts in two ways first it should win the hearts and minds of Tamils by giving them political concessions so that insurgents should be isolated and tamil majority becomes loyal again to srilanka. The tsunami of 2004 has given a chance to Sinhalese to help and win Tamils they should try to bring them to mainstream politics.

If they achieve this than it would be time to finish LTTE, but again it would only be possible by fighting them in a non-conventional way. That would be only possible when intelligence services will be credible and strong. Srilankan leadership must change its stand. It is a fact that Sinhalese are majority and no body can challenge it. Like elder brothers, Sinhalese must win hearts because Tamils cannot do any thing, which threatens Sinhalese existence.

On the other had Tamils must understand that their biggest enemies are so called Tamil nationalists. From past two decades, the biggest sufferers of the conflict are poor Tamils. These fanatic nationalists are playing in the hands of Indians who are following advice of their guru Chanakia who advised them to create troubles for neighbors. They should understand that Aryan Hindu never treated Dravidian with honor but always exploited him. These same Brahmins drove the ancestors of Tamils from north to south in Tamil Nadu and Ceylon. Where as Sinhalese always treated them well now is the time to save the relationship of coexistence of past 2500 years. Survival of Ceylon Tamils is with Srilanka not with India or as a separate entity. Both Tamils and Sinhalese should realize it and do efforts to make Srilanka, a paradise on earth.

[i]Paul E. Pieris: Nagadipa and Buddhist Remains in Jaffna: Journal of Royal Asiatic Society, Ceylon branch Vol.28
[ii] http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ce.html
[iii] http://www.atlapedia.com/online/countries/srilanka.htm
[iv] http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ce.html
[v] Ibid. Since the out break of hostilities thousands of Tamils have seeked refuge in India, about 65000 live in 131 refugee camps in south India 40000 live outside Indian camps, and some 200000 have sought refuge in west. (July 2004 EST.)
[vi] http://www.atlapedia.com/online/countries/srilanka.htm
[vii] http://www.eelamweb.com/history of tamil eelam.htm
[viii] C.R.de Silva, “the Sinhalese-tamil Rift in Srilanka” (Ed). A.Jeyaratnam Wilson and Dennis Dalton, The states of south Asia, problems of national integration, C.Hurst &Co. (publishers) Ltd., London, 1982,p.156
[ix] Ibid p.156
[x] Ibid, p.157
[xi] Ibid, p.158
[xii] Ibid, 159
[xiii] Ibid, p.161
[xiv]Document presented by Gunandasa Amarasekera before Sinhala commission, www.sinhala.com
[xv] C.R.de Silva, op cit, p.167

[xvi] ibid, p.168
[xvii] Rohan Gunaratna, international and regional security implications of Srilankan tamil insurgency December 2,1998, www.ict.org.il
[xviii] Ibid
[xix] Ibid
[xx]ibid
[xxi] ibid
[xxii] Ibid
[xxiii] ibid
[xxiv] ibid
[xxv] Thomas A. Marks, Maoist insurgency since Vietnam, Frank Cass and company limited London.1996, P.220

[xxvi] Depinder Singh, the IKPF in the Srilanka, Trishul publishers, New Delhi, 1992.
[xxvii] Gunaratna Op cit
[xxviii] Gunaratna op cit
[xxix] ibid
[xxx] Peter chalk, the LTTE insurgency in srilanka p 145
[xxxi] Rohan Gunaratna, Srilanka ethnic conflict and national security (Colombo: South Asian Network on conflict research, 1998), 372
[xxxii] Gunaratna ibid
[xxxiii] Gunaratna ibid

[xxxiv] Gunaratna ibid

[xxxv] Gunaratna ibid

[xxxvi] Marks, op cit. p, 185.
[xxxvii] Chalk, op cit p. 130
[xxxviii] Mark, op cit, p.186 Tamil separatism was viewed dangerous because it has remained a problem in Indian south ever since the peak of anti Hindi sentiments in 1964-65. Tamil Nadu it self was a result of the DMK led campaign for a separate Tamil entity
[xxxix] Marks, op cit, p.233
[xl] Marks, op cit, p?
[xli] Chalk, op cit, p.140
[xlii] Globe and mail, 6,November 1997
[xliii] Jane’s defense weekly, 13 January 1999,p26
[xliv] BBC news, 22 February 2002