Tamil Caste based Socio-Economic Inequalities as “Unseen Boundaries” in Post-conflict Positive Peacebuilding in Northern Sri Lanka

DOI: 10.5176/2251-2403_PSSIR12.21

Authors: Ajith Balasooriya

Abstract: There are “unseen core causes” such as existing socio-economic structures protruding as “unseen hurdles” in post-conflict peacebuilding in northern Sri Lanka. Tamil caste system, caste based land ownership, education, employment opportunities and social recognition are ongoing challenges to reconcile grassroots intra-Tamils rather than Sinhala and Tamil communities. The aim of this paper is to reveal how the Tamil community’s own caste issue triggered and later escalated the Sri Lankan protracted conflict. The paper also emphasizes the importance that should be given to addressing the caste-based structural issue to achieve positive peace in post-conflict northern Sri Lanka.