Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission flags enduring militarisation in Tamil-majority areas
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has reported that the northern and eastern provinces remain heavily militarized 17 years after the civil war. The report highlights ongoing issues with land appropriation, restricted livelihoods, and intimidation of local Tamil populations.
Why it matters
This highlights persistent post-conflict human rights challenges and the gap between state promises of demilitarization and the reality on the ground.
Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission flags enduring militarisation in Tamil-majority areas left Military personnel stand guard near Galle National Hospital, following a submarine attack on the Iranian military ship, IRIS Dena, off the coast of Sri Lanka, in Galle, Sri Lanka, March 5, 2026. REUTERS/Thilina Kaluthotage REFILE - CHANGING NAME OF HOSPITAL Thilina Kaluthotage REUTERS https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/4l3fbg/article71595848.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-03-05T083352Z_77797419_RC2OXJAVXIDL_RTRMADP_3_IRAN-CRISIS-SHIP-SRI-LANKA.JPG Thilina Kaluthotage Military personnel stand guard near Galle National Hospital, following a submarine attack on the Iranian military ship, IRIS Dena, off the coast of Sri Lanka, in Galle, Sri Lanka, March 5, 2026.
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