Timeline of Events
A chronological record of the systematic violence against the Tamil people, from discriminatory legislation to mass atrocities.
Sinhala Only Act passed
The Official Language Act No. 33 made Sinhala the sole official language of Sri Lanka, marginalizing the Tamil-speaking population and triggering ethnic tensions.
1958 Anti-Tamil Pogrom
The first major anti-Tamil riots, sparked by the Bandaranaike-Chelvanayakam Pact controversy. Hundreds of Tamils were killed and thousands displaced.
1977 Anti-Tamil Violence
Following general elections, widespread violence against Tamils erupted, particularly in the south. Over 300 Tamils were killed.
Jaffna Public Library Burned
The Jaffna Public Library, containing 97,000 books and priceless Tamil manuscripts, was burned down by Sinhalese police and paramilitary forces.
Black July Begins
A week-long pogrom against Tamils began, resulting in an estimated 3,000 deaths and 150,000 displaced. This event marked the beginning of the civil war.
Welikada Prison Massacre
53 Tamil political prisoners were killed in Welikada Prison during Black July.
Valvettithurai Massacre
64 Tamil civilians killed by the Sri Lankan Army in Valvettithurai.
Kumudini Boat Massacre
32 Tamil civilians killed when the passenger ferry Kumudini was attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Indo-Sri Lanka Accord Signed
India and Sri Lanka signed an accord to end the conflict, leading to deployment of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF).
War Resumes / Elephant Pass
The LTTE ended the ceasefire. Following military operations, hundreds of Tamil civilians were killed.
Sathurukkondan Massacre
184 Tamil civilians, including women and children, were burned alive by the Sri Lankan Army.
Kokkadichcholai Massacre
184 Tamil men were rounded up and executed by the Sri Lankan Army.
Navaly Church Bombing
147 Tamil civilians killed when the Sri Lankan Air Force bombed St. Peter's Church in Navaly.
Ceasefire Agreement
A Ceasefire Agreement was signed between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, mediated by Norway.
Five Students Killed in Trincomalee
Five Tamil students were shot dead by security forces on a beach in Trincomalee.
Allaipiddy Church Massacre
21 Tamil civilians killed when the Sri Lankan Navy shelled a church in Allaipiddy.
Ceasefire Officially Ends
The Sri Lankan government formally withdrew from the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement.
Killinochchi Hospital Shelling
Killinochchi Hospital was shelled by the Sri Lankan Army despite being clearly marked as a medical facility.
Mullivaikkal Massacre Begins
The final phase of the war resulted in tens of thousands of Tamil civilian deaths in the 'No Fire Zone'.
End of Civil War
The Sri Lankan government declared victory over the LTTE. The war ended with massive civilian casualties.
UN Panel Report Released
The UN Secretary-General's Panel of Experts released a report finding credible allegations of war crimes by both parties.
UN Human Rights Council Resolution
The UNHRC passed a resolution promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.
OHCHR Investigation Report
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights released a comprehensive investigation report on Sri Lanka.
UNHRC Resolution for International Mechanism
The UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution to strengthen the collection and preservation of evidence of crimes.