The Tamil-majority northern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka witnessed a symbolic hartal on August 18, 2025. The protest, called by the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK), aimed to oppose the continued militarisation of former war zones. This move comes 16 years after the Sri Lankan armed forces defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The hartal was triggered by the killing of a young Tamil man allegedly by military personnel, denoting ongoing tensions and demands for military withdrawal.
Background of the Hartal Protest
The hartal was prompted by the death of Ethirmanasingham Kapilraj, a 32-year-old from Mullaitivu district in the north. Allegedly killed by soldiers from a nearby army camp, his death intensified calls for military accountability and demilitarisation. ITAK demanded a thorough and unhindered investigation. The government responded by arresting three soldiers and promising justice.
Military Presence in Tamil-Majority Areas
The north and east still experience a heavy military presence. Visible checkpoints and armed personnel are common, especially in Mullaitivu, the site of the war’s final battle. Military-run businesses compete with local enterprises, complicating economic recovery. Reports from 2017 indicated about 60,000 military personnel in Mullaitivu, almost half the civilian population. The military also controls land, including agricultural and religious sites, leading to local protests.
Government and Military Stance
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, also the Defence Minister, announced plans to downsize the military by 2030. However, the 2025 budget allocated approximately $1.5 billion to defence, exceeding education spending. Military expenditure on uniforms and diets rose sharply, denoting budget priorities. The military claims to have returned 91% of seized land and insists its presence has reduced since the war ended, though exact figures remain undisclosed.
Human Rights and Security Sector Reform
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights criticised the slow pace of security reforms. It noted that surveillance and military involvement in civil affairs persist in the north and east. The UN urged the government to limit military roles in law enforcement and commercial ventures. It called for reduction of military personnel in these provinces to restore normalcy and protect human rights.
Social and Political Implications
Tamil leaders accuse the military of encouraging drug abuse among youth, with allegations of military and police complicity in trafficking. This exacerbates distrust and social instability. The hartal reflects broader Tamil demands for justice, autonomy, and demilitarisation. The ongoing military footprint hinders reconciliation and economic development in post-war Sri Lanka.
Economic Impact of Militarisation
Military dominance in business sectors restricts opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The large defence budget diverts resources from essential public services like education. The economic imbalance fuels grievances among Tamil communities that seek equitable development and control over local resources.
Steps Forward
Efforts to reduce the military presence and return land to civilians are underway but slow. Political dialogue and transparent investigations into alleged abuses remain critical. International and local advocacy continues to push for comprehensive security sector reform and respect for human rights in the Tamil regions.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the challenges faced in post-conflict reconciliation and security sector reform in Sri Lanka’s Tamil-majority regions.
- Critically analyse the impact of militarisation on economic development and civil rights in post-war societies with suitable examples.
- Estimate the role of international organisations like the UN in promoting human rights and security reforms in conflict-affected countries.
- What are the socio-political consequences of prolonged military presence in civilian areas? How does it affect democratic governance and local autonomy?
