Ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has been one of the most persistent and complex issues in South Asia, deeply intertwined with the island’s political, economic, and social structures. The conflict primarily involved the majority Sinhalese community and the minority Tamil population, with roots tracing back to colonial rule when the British administration implemented policies that favored certain ethnic groups over others, creating social and economic disparities. After independence in 1948, these disparities were compounded by state policies, such as the “Sinhala Only Act” of 1956, which marginalized Tamil speakers in administration, education, and employment, leading to widespread resentment among Tamils and setting the stage for future conflict. The economic dimension of the ethnic conflict was significant, as Tamils, historically concentrated in the northern and eastern regions, faced limited access to economic opportunities compared to the Sinhalese majority. Government investment in infrastructure, education, and industries was skewed towards Sinhalese-dominated areas, intensifying economic inequality. The lack of regional development fueled perceptions of systemic discrimination, motivating the formation of militant Tamil groups demanding autonomy, most notably the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). This insurgent group sought an independent Tamil state, which led to a prolonged civil war lasting from