Sri Lankan Tamils
Sri Lankan Tamils (Tamil: இலங்கை தமிழர், ilankai tamiḻar or ஈழத் தமிழர், īḻat tamiḻar), also known as Ceylon Tamils or Eelam Tamils, are a group of Tamil people native to the island nation of Sri Lanka. They are mostly concentrated in the Northern Province and the Eastern Province of the country, where they form a significant majority and plurality respectively. The rest of the country sees them as a minority group.
Historical Background
The history of the Sri Lankan Tamils is deeply intertwined with the island's past. Tamils have lived in Sri Lanka since the early centuries of the Common Era. They established powerful kingdoms such as the Jaffna Kingdom, which was a prominent center of Tamil culture and Hinduism until the 16th century when European colonial powers began to exert influence.
Cultural Identity
Sri Lankan Tamils have a rich cultural heritage, characterized by their language, Tamil, and religious practices predominantly centered around Hinduism, with a significant Christian minority. The cultural identity of the Sri Lankan Tamils has been shaped by local traditions, literature, and practices developed over centuries, including contributions to Tamil literature.
The Sri Lankan Civil War
The Sri Lankan Civil War was a major event that defined the late 20th and early 21st centuries for the Sri Lankan Tamils. It was a conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization that sought to create an independent Tamil state, known as Tamil Eelam, in the northern and eastern parts of the island. The war, which lasted from 1983 to 2009, resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and human rights violations.
Post-War Challenges
The end of the civil war did not fully resolve the underlying ethnic tensions. Issues such as disappearances, lack of press freedom, and political control of the judiciary continue to affect the Sri Lankan Tamil community. The post-war period has seen efforts for reconciliation, but challenges remain in achieving true equality and justice.
Diaspora and Global Presence
A significant number of Sri Lankan Tamils now live outside Sri Lanka, forming a substantial diaspora in countries such as India, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. This diaspora has been instrumental in advocating for their rights and preserving their cultural identity abroad.