Role of Military in Post-Conflict Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka has suffered a violent conflict between the government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for nearly three decades. By the time LTTE was crushed in 2009, over 80,000 had been killed, 11,656 Tamil Tigers were either arrested or surrendered, and 294,000 people had been internally displaced during the final phase of the conflict. Furthermore, almost all the infrastructure in formerly terrorist-held areas was damaged or destroyed. The GoSL recognized its obligation to provide humanitarian relief; essential services, rehabilitation, and development support to people in LTTE-controlled areas and began post-conflict reconstruction. The GoSL decision to house internally displaced persons (IDPs) prevented much-needed, international-community support during the initial stage of reconstruction. The drain of GoSL resources due to the prolonged conflict and reconstruction in the Eastern Province forced GoSL to use the military to fill gaps in the post-conflict reconstruction process. By doing so, the GOSL was able to resettle 97% of the total IDPs, providing them infrastructure facilities and livelihood opportunities, while reintegrating more than 90% of ex-combatants after their rehabilitation by the end of 2011. This study will examine the way in which the military used its capabilities to shape the reconstruction process.