A suicide attack by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on Sri Lanka's Temple of the Tooth kills eight and injures 25 others.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE): A Comprehensive Overview

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), also widely recognized as the Tamil Tigers, was a formidable Tamil militant organization primarily based in the northeastern regions of Sri Lanka. Formed in May 1976 by its charismatic and enigmatic leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, the LTTE's fundamental objective was to establish an independent sovereign state for the Tamil minority, known as Tamil Eelam, encompassing the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation. This aspiration emerged as a direct response to a long history of perceived state-sponsored discrimination and systematic oppression faced by Sri Lankan Tamils at the hands of successive Sri Lankan governments and the majority Sinhalese population. These discriminatory policies included language acts, such as the "Sinhala Only Act" of 1956, and educational standardization policies, alongside instances of violent anti-Tamil pogroms that scarred the nation in 1956 and 1958.

Escalation to Full-Scale Conflict: The Sri Lankan Civil War

The deep-seated grievances continued to fuel tensions, leading to further violence against the Tamil community. Notable incidents included the 1977 anti-Tamil pogrom and the tragic burning of the historic Jaffna Public Library in 1981, a revered repository of Tamil literary and historical documents. The intermittent conflict tragically escalated into a full-scale nationalist insurgency following the week-long July 1983 anti-Tamil pogrom, a horrific series of targeted attacks perpetrated by Sinhalese mobs that became infamously known as Black July. This pivotal event marked the definitive commencement of the protracted Sri Lankan Civil War. By this period, the LTTE had solidified its position as the pre-eminent and most dominant Tamil militant group in Sri Lanka, earning a reputation globally as one of the most feared guerrilla forces. Prabhakaran's image, often depicted by international media as a revolutionary freedom fighter akin to Che Guevara, was simultaneously countered by widespread condemnation of his actions as terroristic, reflecting the complex and polarized perceptions surrounding the conflict.

Evolution of a Formidable Force and Controversial Tactics

While initially operating as a guerrilla force, the LTTE progressively transformed into a sophisticated, quasi-conventional fighting force. Its well-developed military wing boasted a formidable naval component known as the Sea Tigers, an elite airborne unit, an extensive intelligence wing, and a highly specialized suicide attack unit known as the Black Tigers. The LTTE gained particular notoriety for its perfection and popularization of the suicide vest as a weapon, fundamentally changing the landscape of modern warfare. Although the group did not invent suicide bombing, their systematic and strategic deployment of suicide vest attacks significantly influenced numerous other militant and terrorist organizations globally. The LTTE's operational methods also attracted severe international criticism for their documented use of women and children in combat roles, including as child soldiers, a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

International Relations and Global Notoriety

The LTTE's activities led to its designation as a terrorist organization by at least 33 countries, including major global powers and entities such as the European Union, Canada, the United States, and India. India's relationship with the LTTE was particularly intricate and volatile; it transitioned from initial covert support for the organization to direct military engagement through the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) during a later phase of the conflict, a shift driven by evolving Indian foreign policy objectives and concerns over regional stability. The LTTE achieved further global infamy for orchestrating a series of high-profile assassinations, most notably the killing of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 and Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993.

The Conflict's Trajectory and Devastating Aftermath

Throughout the duration of the Sri Lankan Civil War, the LTTE frequently engaged in intense military confrontations with the Sri Lankan military, often exchanging control over strategically vital territories in the north and east. Despite numerous attempts, the organization participated in four unsuccessful rounds of peace talks with the Sri Lankan government, failing to achieve a lasting political resolution. At its zenith in 2000, the LTTE exercised de facto control over approximately 76% of the landmass in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. Velupillai Prabhakaran led the organization from its very inception until his demise in May 2009, which effectively marked the end of the civil war. The conflict, spanning from 1983 to 2009, resulted in an estimated death toll exceeding 80,000, with a disproportionate number being Sri Lankan Tamils. Furthermore, the war led to a massive displacement of populations, with over 800,000 Sri Lankan Tamils seeking refuge in various destinations across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the LTTE

When was the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) founded?
The LTTE was founded in May 1976 by Velupillai Prabhakaran.
What was the primary aim of the LTTE?
Its primary aim was to establish an independent state called Tamil Eelam for the Tamil minority in the northern and eastern regions of Sri Lanka.
Why was the LTTE formed?
The LTTE was formed in response to long-standing state policies and actions perceived as discriminatory and oppressive towards the minority Sri Lankan Tamil population, including historical anti-Tamil pogroms.
What was Black July?
Black July refers to a week-long series of anti-Tamil pogroms carried out by Sinhalese mobs in July 1983, which is widely considered the catalyst for the escalation of intermittent conflict into the full-scale Sri Lankan Civil War.
Was the LTTE designated as a terrorist organization?
Yes, the LTTE has been designated as a terrorist organization by 33 countries, including the European Union, Canada, the United States, and India.
What unique combat tactic is the LTTE noted for popularizing?
The LTTE is noted by many academics for perfecting and popularizing the use of the suicide vest as a weapon, a tactic subsequently adopted by numerous other militant groups worldwide.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa): A Symbol of Sri Lankan Heritage and Faith

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, locally known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a revered Buddhist temple majestically situated in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This iconic temple is an integral part of the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which served as the last independent monarchy on the island before colonial rule. Its profound significance stems from its sacred duty as the custodian of what is believed to be the relic of the tooth of the Buddha, a relic of immense spiritual importance to Buddhists worldwide. For centuries, this precious relic has played a pivotal role in local politics, deeply intertwined with the nation's governance; it is anciently believed that whoever possesses the relic holds the legitimate right to rule the country. Historically, the relic was safeguarded by successive Sinhalese kings. Recognizing its exceptional cultural and historical value, the Temple of the Tooth is officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, primarily due to the architectural and spiritual significance of the temple itself and the invaluable relic it houses.

Sacred Rituals and Daily Practices

The daily worship and elaborate rituals within the temple's inner chamber are meticulously conducted by the venerable Bhikkhus (Buddhist monks) from two prominent chapters of the Siyam Nikaya, the Malwathu and Asgiri chapters, representing the highest echelons of Sri Lankan monastic tradition. These sacred ceremonies are performed three times a day: at the auspicious hours of dawn, noon, and in the evenings. A particularly unique and significant ritual, the Nanumura Mangallaya, takes place every Wednesday. During this ceremony, the relic undergoes a symbolic bathing using a special herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers. This holy water, imbued with blessings from the ritual, is believed to possess healing powers and is reverently distributed to the devotees present, who cherish it for its spiritual benefits. The temple is also the starting point for the annual Esala Perahera, a grand procession featuring dancers, drummers, and elaborately adorned elephants, which is one of Asia's oldest and most spectacular Buddhist festivals, further highlighting the temple's central role in Sri Lankan culture and faith.

Resilience Amidst Adversity

Throughout its long history, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic has endured and overcome periods of adversity. It sustained damage from a bombing carried out by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), another Marxist-nationalist insurgent group in Sri Lanka, in 1989. Later, in 1998, it was subjected to a significant attack by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Despite these deliberate acts of violence, the temple's resilience has been remarkable; it was meticulously and fully restored on each occasion, thanks to dedicated efforts preserving this invaluable heritage site for future generations, symbolizing the enduring strength of faith and cultural identity in Sri Lanka.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Temple of the Tooth Relic

Where is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic located?
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, within the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy.
What sacred item does the temple house?
The temple houses what is believed to be the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
Why is the tooth relic considered politically significant in Sri Lanka?
Since ancient times, it has been believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country, making it a powerful symbol of sovereignty and leadership.
Is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, primarily due to the temple's historical and architectural significance and the importance of the relic it safeguards.
What is the Nanumura Mangallaya ritual?
The Nanumura Mangallaya is a special ritual performed on Wednesdays, involving the symbolic bathing of the relic with a herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers, with the holy water believed to possess healing powers.