A fragile peace process in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka. Chavakachcheri. Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was ceded to the British in 1802. As Ceylon it became independent in 1948; its name was changed in 1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted in violence in the mid-1980s. Tens of thousands have died in an ethnic war that continues to fester. Chavakachcheri is a totally destroyed city in the Jaffna peninsula. Desert town at night, inhabitants come back during the day to rebuilt houses little by little. The area is still full of mines.

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Sri Lanka. Chavakachcheri. Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was ceded to the British in 1802. As Ceylon it became independent in 1948; its name was changed in 1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted in violence in the mid-1980s. Tens of thousands have died in an ethnic war that continues to fester. Chavakachcheri is a totally destroyed city in the Jaffna peninsula. Desert town at night, inhabitants come back during the day to rebuilt houses little by little. The area is still full of mines.