The Hindu: Published on 22 August 2025.
Why in News?
On August 18, 2025, Sri Lanka’s prominent Tamil party Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) called a symbolic hartal (shutdown) in Tamil-majority north and east provinces.
The protest was against continued militarization of these war-affected regions, even 16 years after the end of the civil war.
The immediate trigger was the killing of a Tamil man, Kapilraj (32), allegedly by soldiers in Mullaitivu district.
Background:
The Sri Lankan Civil War (1983–2009) between the state forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended with massive civilian casualties, especially in Mullaitivu.
Since then, the north and east have remained highly militarized, with the army controlling land, businesses, and civilian life.
Tamil political parties and civil society groups have consistently demanded demilitarization and return of civilian land.
Triggering Incident:
The death of Kapilraj, allegedly in an army attack, reignited anger among Tamil communities.
ITAK wrote to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, demanding:
A thorough, independent investigation,
Accountability of perpetrators,
Reduction of oppressive military presence in Tamil areas.
The government promised an investigation and arrested three soldiers.
Current Situation:
Military presence remains very high in north and east provinces.
The army runs businesses (hotels, farms, restaurants), competing with war-affected locals.
In Mullaitivu, checkpoints, inspections, and army patrols are part of daily life.
NGOs (ACPR, PEARL) earlier reported 60,000 troops for ~1.3 lakh civilians in Mullaitivu.
Land seizures by the army continue, though the government claims 91% has been returned.
Government’s Position:
President Dissanayake announced plans to downsize the military by 2030.
Defence expenditure in 2024: LKR 442 billion (~$1.5 bn), larger than education.
Defence spending is ~2% of GDP, high for a country without external threats.
Government assures that military-held lands will be returned to rightful owners.
Human Rights Concerns:
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights report (2024):
Sri Lanka has not undertaken meaningful security sector reforms.
Surveillance and militarization remain intact in the north and east.
Military’s involvement in law enforcement, commerce, and civil life undermines democracy.
Tamil MPs also accused the military of drug peddling to create “dependency” among Tamil youth.
Key Issues:
Militarization vs. Civilian Freedom:
Tamils feel trapped under surveillance and checkpoints even after the war.
Economic impact: Army’s control of businesses and land reduces livelihood opportunities for locals.
Political alienation: Militarization is seen as a tool of ethnic dominance and intimidation.
Accountability: Human rights groups demand justice for war crimes and present-day abuses.
Wider Implications:
Domestic politics: Hartals signal Tamil resistance and unity, but political divisions remain.
International scrutiny: UN and human rights groups may pressure Sri Lanka for reforms.
Peace and reconciliation: Militarization undermines efforts at ethnic reconciliation and sustainable peace.
Economic burden: A bloated military drains resources from education, health, and development.
In summary:
The Tamil hartal highlights that militarization in Sri Lanka’s north and east continues to shape post-war life, fueling resentment and distrust. While the government promises reforms, heavy military presence, economic control, and human rights violations remain unresolved.
