Sri Lanka’s Reconciliation & Economic Progress At Risk 17 Years Post-War 📉

A commentary published 17 years after the end of the civil war highlights that Sri Lanka’s inability to collectively and inclusively remember past violence continues to hinder genuine healing, social cohesion, and long-term development. • Impact of Historical Conflict: Since 1971, Sri Lanka has experienced three major periods of political violence (two southern insurrections and the northern/eastern civil war). Tens of thousands were killed or subjected to enforced disappearance, leaving entire generations shaped by trauma and displacement. • Economic and National Cost: The country lost decades of development, economic opportunity, and social progress due to political extremism and intolerance. Entire generations of youth were consumed by conflict instead of contributing to the nation's future growth. • Current Challenges: Remembrance remains deeply polarized, fragmented, and politicized. Current narratives favor triumphalism while dismissing the shared suffering of all communities, which perpetuates mistrust and risks repeating historical mistakes. • Path Forward: The State must foster an inclusive culture of remembrance that protects democracy and human rights. Moving beyond divisions toward a national commitment to truth and empathy is essential to safeguard future stability and ensure economic and social progress.