The pogrom against Tamils in July 1983 was supported by deeply held ideological assumptions that still inform the political logic of the Sinhala people and their leaders.

The 1983 violence effectively laid the foundation for a widespread conflict that is yet to be resolved.

The International Commission of Jurists observed: “the evidence points clearly to the conclusion that the violence of the Sinhala rioters on the Tamils amounted to acts of genocide.”

It is a block to achieving peace or communal harmony in the country as it would bars fulfilment of any political aspirations of the Tamils.

Sri Lanka announced Wednesday it would seize an estimated 30 million dollars in dormant bank accounts as part of a drive to clean up commercial bank books, press reports said.

“The purpose is to meet displaced people in the north and east of the country and hear first-hand their concerns and needs.”

The image of the lone Tamil boy cornered by a group of Sinhala youth touched a nerve in a beleaguered minority.

The low intensity conflict that has been continuing to claim lives across Sri Lanka continued a pace over the past fortnight, with ongoing clashes between the Liberation Tigers and Sri Lanka Army (SLA), Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and paramilitary personnel.

Hostile forays by Sri Lanka Army (SLA) into Liberation Tigers controlled territory in Batticaloa district are serious acts of military aggression and have the potential to trigger a major destructive war, the LTTE warned international truce monitors, after a bloody clash that left 16 dead.

“All communities should stand up as one to appreciate the contribution of our Armed Forces.”

“On 18 July 2006, when I had visited the Community hall project site I was stopped by the Army near the Kodikamam Army camp in Point-Pedro road. I had my Sri Lanka Army issued ID and National Identity Card (N.I.C.) with me. They took those."

A Japanese ban will have the same effect as the others

The international community has - again - put the Sinhala establishment in charge of the Tamils’ future.

Western officials, rights watchdogs sound alarm