The conflict between the government and the LTTE has been going on for 25 years. The war has mainly been taking place in the northern and eastern parts of the country, but several terrorist and suicide attacks have been carried out in the capital Colombo and in other parts of the country.
An armistice in 2002 brought hopes of a peaceful solution, but negotiations broke down. In 2006, the conflict intensified and in May 2009 the Tamil Tigers were declared defeated.
One of the targets of Sweden’s development aid has been to contribute towards a peaceful solution to the conflict. We are also working for democracy and human rights. This work will continue until the end of December 2010, when our development co-operation will come to an end.
The escalation of the war in recent times has caused a difficult humanitarian situation with many internally displaced people, and homes and crops destroyed. Sida will therefore continue to provide Sri Lanka with humanitarian support.
Many challenges remain
Sri Lanka is not a poor country, even though much of the population find it hard to get by. There are major gaps between rich and poor and according to public statistics, poverty is most widespread in the southeast and central areas. There are no statistics for the northern and eastern parts of the country, which were under the control of the LTTE for a long time.
The judicial system in Sri Lanka is deficient. Non-judicial executions and political murders take place; many of the perpetrators escape punishment and corruption is common.
In general, the level of education in Sri Lanka is high, compared with other countries in the region, and most of the institutions function relatively well.
Sri Lanka at a crossroads
Many international organizations have been critical of how civilians have been treated in the war.
Aid workers have been forced to leave the country and the threat against human rights activists and journalists has increased.
Sri Lanka is now at a crossroads following the end of the military conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE. Sri Lankans have the competence and the resources needed to turn society towards democracy. The decisive question for the future is whether there is a political will for reconciliation and democratic rule.
Sida’s focus areas in Sri Lanka:
- Human rights and democratic governance
- Regionally balanced economic development.
Read more about Sida’s work in Sri Lanka
