Eelam War III

In the 1994 parliamentary elections, the UNP lost the election and people's alliance came to power on a peaceful platform, led by chandrika kumaratunga. During the presidential election campaign, LTTE disrupt the rally held at thotalanga. By a bomb attack many high official and also presidential candidate gamini dissanayake were removed from their post. Kumaratunga became the president with the majority of 62% votes and agreed  ceasefire in 1995. The Agreement didn't last long as the LTTE blew up two Sri Lanka navy gun boats and began the next phase of the war.

A new government was formed and pursued the policy of "war for peace". Determined to retake key rebel strong hold of Jaffna, which was occupied by 2000 rebels. Thousands of civilian, troops and  rebel  killed in the conflict and had to leave Jaffna. But most of the refugees returned later the next year.

The LTTE responded by launching operation unceasing waves and won the bale of mullaitivu on 18 July 1996, leaving 1,173 army troops dead. The government tried to hit back in August 1996. Another 200,000 civilian fled the violence. On 13 May 1997, 20,000 troops tried o open a supply line through the LTTE conrolled vanni but failed.

As violence continued in the north, populated city areas and public transport in the south were bombed by LTTE, killing hundreds of civilians. Sri Lankan world trade centre was bombed by LTTE and blew up one of the holiest Buddhist shrines in the world. In response to those bombing, Sri Lanka Government officialy announced LTTE as outlaw and pressed other government of around the world to do the same.

On 22 April 2000, Military led separated Jaffna from the vannni mainland for 17 years, completely under the control of LTTE. The army launched new operation to take back southern Jaffna peninsula, but sustained losses. The LTTE continue to fight toward Jaffna, and many was able to maintain control of the city.

Written by Tenzin (1215206) PME