Peace Talks
Peace Talks: Tamileelam – Sri Lanka
Throughout decades of conflict, multiple rounds of peace negotiations took place between the Tamil Eelam leadership and the Sri Lankan government. Each attempt represented a genuine effort to find a peaceful political solution to the Tamil question — yet every round of talks ultimately collapsed, primarily due to the Sri Lankan government's failure to honour agreements and its continued military aggression against the Tamil people.
These peace talks stand as historical evidence that the Tamil leadership consistently pursued a negotiated solution, while the Sri Lankan state repeatedly chose war over peace.
Overview of Peace Talks
1985 – Thimbu, Bhutan
The earliest recorded formal negotiations, held during President Jayawardene's presidency. The Tamil side presented four cardinal principles, including recognition of Tamils as a distinct nationality and their right to self-determination. The talks collapsed due to Indian diplomatic pressure, lack of proper Sri Lankan political representation, and ceasefire violations by the Sri Lankan government.
📄 Official Document — Thimbu, Bhutan
Open PDF ↗Open the PDF via the button above to view the document.
1989–1990 – Colombo
Held during President Premadasa's presidency. Focused on the withdrawal of Indian military occupation, the repeal of the 6th Amendment, and dissolving the North-Eastern Provincial Council. The talks broke down when Premadasa rejected changes to the constitution and resumed military operations against Tamil areas.
📄 Official Document — Colombo
Open PDF ↗Open the PDF via the button above to view the document.
2002–2003 – Oslo Process
The most significant peace process, facilitated by Norway. A formal ceasefire agreement was signed in February 2002. Six rounds of talks took place in various countries. The LTTE proposed a model of internal self-determination (ISGA). Talks collapsed when the Sri Lankan government refused to share power meaningfully and the peace process was undermined politically.
📄 Official Document — Jaffna / Oslo
Open PDF ↗Open the PDF via the button above to view the document.
2006 – Geneva & Norway
Two rounds of talks were held in Geneva focusing on implementing the 2002 ceasefire agreement. Both sides agreed to uphold the ceasefire and respect humanitarian principles. However, the Sri Lankan military escalated violence shortly after, effectively ending any prospects for peace.
📄 Official Document — Geneva / Norway
Open PDF ↗Open the PDF via the button above to view the document.