Sri Lanka: Ethnic conflict and the conflict management process

Abstract

This chapter presents a critique of the so-called peace process through military action within the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict. There is a need to study this problem from the psychological, developmental, and humanitarian point of view. This chapter analyses the deep-rooted seeds of the problem, its historical background, its various domestic and international angles and perceptions, and the international angles as well as regional implications of the Sri Lankan Tamil insurgency. The nature of the problem, the effect of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka on regional security, and the militarily remedization of the problem by Sri Lankan government and its result are focused on here.

Finally, the study identifies the contemporary role of diaspora communities as a severe hindrance to a lasting peace in the country. Thus, the analysis concludes that lasting peace in the island is possible only through the promotion of a genuine liberal democracy, from both within and without. Suggestions for future peace, stability, and development have been put forward.

Citation

Amrutkar, P. (2013), "Sri Lanka: Ethnic conflict and the conflict management process", Cooperation for a Peaceful and Sustainable World Part 2 (Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development, Vol. 20 Part 2), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 175-195. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1572-8323(2013)00020.2014