Colombo
17 May 2009
Sri Lanka is preparing for a major celebration following the battlefield defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, ending a quarter-century civil war. Joyous outbursts that are mixed with some lingering anxiety, especially among the minority Tamils who wonder what the new era will bring for them.
A news vendor selling Sunday papers as Colombo began celebrations of military victory over LTTE |
On the streets of Colombo, some people hoisted the Sri Lankan flag and set off firecrackers in celebration.
After word came that the rebels had announced their guns would finally gone silent in the northeast, young people celebrated in the backs of slowly moving vehicles along the famous Galle Face seaside boulevard.
But there are no signs, yet, of any mass celebration. A national victory speech by the president is anticipated Monday with a declaration of a national holiday.
Several youths on a motorcycle rejoice at news of the LTTE's defeat |
It is symbolic of the ethnic and linguistic divide affecting the Tamil minority, treatment they say over the decades and even centuries, that led to the violent uprising.
Many here express hope the defeat of the armed rebels will usher in a new era. But for that to happen civil activists say the government must make good on promises to rehabilitate Tamil society and foster equal rights. Others say the burden also lies with Tamil politicians and activists to pursue a peaceful path for addressing their long-standing grievances.