Uncivil War: The Violent Aftermath of Sri Lanka's Tamil Insurgency

By Indran Amirthanayagam

Uncivil War

by Indran Amirthanayagam

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	454 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	276 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	342 pages
Item Weight	:	2.16 pounds
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.78 x 11 inches

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The Uncivil War is a seminal work by Indran Amirthanayagam that delves into the violent aftermath of Sri Lanka's Tamil insurgency. Published in 2011, this book offers a comprehensive analysis of the complex and protracted conflict that left an indelible scar on the nation's history.

Historical Context

To understand the Uncivil War, it is essential to provide a brief historical context. The Tamil insurgency in Sri Lanka emerged as a reaction to decades of perceived discrimination and marginalization of the Tamil minority by the Sinhalese-dominated government. The conflict escalated into a full-blown civil war in 1983, with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) spearheading the Tamil cause.

The civil war lasted for over twenty years, culminating in a decisive victory for the Sri Lankan government in 2009. However, the end of the war marked only the beginning of a new phase of violence and instability.

The Uncivil War

Indran Amirthanayagam's Uncivil War focuses on the period following the end of the civil war. It meticulously documents the widespread human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, and disappearances that plagued Sri Lanka during this time.

Amirthanayagam argues that the Uncivil War was not simply a continuation of the previous conflict but a distinct and equally brutal phase. He attributes this violence to a combination of factors, including:

• Government repression and impunity
• The rise of paramilitary groups
• The failure of reconciliation efforts

Government Repression and Impunity

The Sri Lankan government has been widely criticized for its role in the Uncivil War. Human rights organizations have documented numerous instances of arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings carried out by security forces and government-backed paramilitary groups.

The government's failure to hold perpetrators of these crimes accountable has created a culture of impunity, contributing to the ongoing cycle of violence.

The Rise of Paramilitary Groups

In the aftermath of the civil war, paramilitary groups emerged as a significant source of instability. These groups, often with links to political parties or government officials, engaged in a range of criminal activities, including extortion, murder, and land grabbing.

The government's inability to control these groups further undermined its authority and exacerbated the security situation.

The Failure of Reconciliation Efforts

The end of the civil war presented an opportunity for reconciliation and healing. However, the government's failure to address the underlying grievances of the Tamil community hindered these efforts.

Lack of political will, inadequate compensation for victims, and the continued militarization of the former conflict zones all contributed to the failure of reconciliation.

Consequences and Legacy

The Uncivil War had a profound impact on Sri Lanka. The violence and instability it caused led to widespread displacement, poverty, and social unrest.

The conflict also left a deep scar on the nation's psyche, fostering divisions and mistrust between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities.

Indran Amirthanayagam's Uncivil War is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Sri Lanka's post-civil war era. Its meticulous documentation of the violence and human rights abuses that occurred serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability, reconciliation, and lasting peace.

While the Uncivil War may have ended, its legacy continues to shape Sri Lanka's present and future. By addressing the root causes of the conflict and promoting a culture of justice and reconciliation, the nation can strive to break the cycle of violence and build a more inclusive and equitable society.

Uncivil War

by Indran Amirthanayagam

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	454 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	276 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	342 pages
Item Weight	:	2.16 pounds
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.78 x 11 inches

FREE