Tamil Eelam Facts for Kids

Tamil Eelam is the name for an idea of a separate country for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. For many years, some Tamils hoped to create this new country in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. This idea was a major reason for the long-lasting Sri Lankan Civil War.

The main group that fought for Tamil Eelam was called the Tamil Tigers. Their leader was Velupillai Prabhakaran.

What is Tamil Eelam?
The Tamil Tigers and the Conflict
Life in the Areas Claimed as Tamil Eelam
After the War
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What is Tamil Eelam?

Tamil Eelam was meant to be a new, independent country for the Tamil people. These people are an ethnic group who have lived in Sri Lanka for a very long time. They mostly live in the northern and eastern areas of the island.

The idea of Tamil Eelam came about because many Tamils felt they were not treated fairly by the Sri Lankan government. They believed they needed their own country to protect their rights, language, and culture.

The Tamil Tigers and the Conflict

The Tamil Tigers were a powerful group that fought for Tamil Eelam. They used military force to try and achieve their goal. This led to a long and difficult conflict known as the Sri Lankan Civil War.

The civil war lasted for nearly 26 years, from 1983 to 2009. It caused a lot of hardship and loss for everyone in Sri Lanka. The conflict ended in 2009 when the Sri Lankan government defeated the Tamil Tigers.

Life in the Areas Claimed as Tamil Eelam

During the civil war, the Tamil Tigers controlled some parts of northern and eastern Sri Lanka. In these areas, they tried to set up their own government. They had their own police, courts, and even a bank.

However, these areas were still part of a war zone. Life was very difficult for the people living there. Many people had to leave their homes, and basic services were often hard to find.

After the War

Since the end of the civil war in 2009, there has been no separate country called Tamil Eelam. The northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka remain part of the country.

The Sri Lankan government and various groups are now working to rebuild the areas affected by the war. They are also trying to bring different communities together. The goal is to ensure that all people in Sri Lanka can live peacefully and equally.