Throughout more than two decades of war, much has been said about the Tamil nationalist struggle in Sri Lanka. The crucial debate for those concerned about the welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils has focused on the question of whether the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have served to advance or exploit the interests of those they have purported to represent.

Tamils justified in struggling against Sri Lankan state oppression

Since the end of colonial rule in 1948, it has been clear that the Sri Lankan state has marginalized and oppressed the Tamil minority. Successive governments have been responsible for the murder and disappearances of literally tens of thousands of Tamil civilians.

Jubilation over the military defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the death of its leader, Vellupillai Prabhakaran, has gripped a majority of Sri Lankans both in that country and around the world.

Most of Sri Lanka celebrated the news of the defeat of the LTTE following three bloody decades, with lighting of firecrackers and sharing of “kiribath” (milk rice) which is traditionally prepared  on all joyous occasions. 

Fate of civilians lost in the celebrations