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The British negotiated the island's dominion status with the leader of the State Council, D.S. Senanayake, during World War II.
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Between Sri Lankan people and the Tamil Tigers (undoubtedly one of the most organized, effective and brutal terrorist groups in the world)
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Tiger attack in north kills 13 soldiers, triggering anti-Tamil riots in capital, Colombo. Hundreds die, thousands flee. Start of what Tigers call "First Eelam War."
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Having earlier armed Tigers, India sends troops to enforce truce it brokered. Tigers renege, refuse to disarm and begin three years of fighting that kills 1,000 Indian soldiers.
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President Chandrika Kumaratunga agrees to truce with rebels. "Eelam War 3" begins when rebels sink naval craft. Tigers lose Jaffna to government forces.
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Landmark ceasefire signed after Norwegian mediation.
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Troops seize Tiger's de facto capital, Kilinochchi.
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The Sri Lankan government formally declared an end to the 25-year civil war after the army took control of the entire island and killed the leader of the Tamil Tigers.
