November 28, 2001

Political parties are at odds on how to deal with the Tamil rebellion. This has led to violence as different groups escalate the political disputes into violence. In the last month, these violent encounters have left 20 dead and hundreds wounded. Political violence is not unknown in Sri Lanka. The Communist Party, now a legitimate political party, led two rebellions (in 1971 and 1987.) The first rebellion left 20,000 dead and the second one 60,000. The 12 year Tamil rebellion has left 60,000 dead so far. The communists are threatening to take up arms again if peace was not made with the Tamils. Elections next month will put a new parliament in power and the communists want a greater say in government policy.