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Sri Lanka gains indepencdance from Britain
The British negotiated the island's dominion status with the leader of the State Council, D.S. Senanayake, during World War II. -
Period: to
Civil War in Sri Lanka
Between Sri Lankan people and the Tamil Tigers (undoubtedly one of the most organized, effective and brutal terrorist groups in the world) -
Civil War breaks out
Tiger attack in north kills 13 soldiers, triggering anti-Tamil riots in capital, Colombo. Hundreds die, thousands flee. Start of what Tigers call "First Eelam War." -
India sends troops to fight with Sri Lanka
Having earlier armed Tigers, India sends troops to enforce truce it brokered. Tigers renege, refuse to disarm and begin three years of fighting that kills 1,000 Indian soldiers. -
President agrees to truce
President Chandrika Kumaratunga agrees to truce with rebels. "Eelam War 3" begins when rebels sink naval craft. Tigers lose Jaffna to government forces. -
Sri Lankan ceasfire signed
Landmark ceasefire signed after Norwegian mediation. -
Troops seige capital
Troops seize Tiger's de facto capital, Kilinochchi. -
War Ends
The Sri Lankan government formally declared an end to the 25-year civil war after the army took control of the entire island and killed the leader of the Tamil Tigers.
