Publication

This report examines the history of conflict and the political developments in Sri Lanka's most ethnically complex province. The authors focus on the political reforms initiated by the govenment in Colombo after the removal of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2007. They examine regional governance, land reform and grievances of Tamils and Muslims in the region. The authors also discuss fears of Sinhalisation in Sri Lanka's east. They make recommendations to all stakeholders in the conflict and argue that economic development as advocated by the government in Colombo risks aggravating existing conflicts if it is not accompanied by political and administrative reform.