Looking Beyond the Conflict

The three decade-long ethic conflict in Sri Lanka which ended in May 2009 has thrown up both challenges and opportunities for Colombo and New Delhi. Post-war Sri Lankan politics is changing dramatically with an apparent movement towards a more inclusive political environment. However in the absence of a mechanism to address the political and social grievances a resurgence of Tamil nationalism is likely. This will pose a challenge for both Colombo and New Delhi. Sri Lanka in this regard must also sustain high growth rate in order to meet its rising needs and ambitions which include growing aspirations of its people; reconstructing war-torn areas; and becoming South Asias transit hub. This presents an opportune moment for Colombo which is undergoing the process of national reconstruction as well as is looking to redefine and reform its bilateral ties with its neighbours. The contemporary context becomes all the more relevant in the study of future patterns as it could set off a domino effect with consequences for future generations to build peace.