The prolonged civil conflict in Sri Lanka, ignited by ethnic tensions and demands for an independent Tamil state, significantly impacted the nation’s socio-political landscape. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), formed in 1976, waged a protracted struggle against the Sri Lankan government, characterized by guerrilla warfare and suicide bombings. After years of intermittent peace negotiations and escalations, the government's military campaign gained momentum in the mid-2000s, culminating in intense offensives by 2008.In the final phase of the conflict, major battles were fought in the northern province, where LTTE strongholds were ultimately dismantled. The Sri Lankan government's forces encircled the last remaining LTTE territories in early 2009, resulting in a humanitarian crisis as thousands of civilians were caught in the crossfire. Despite concerns from the international community regarding large-scale displacement and alleged war crimes, the Sri Lankan military persisted, leading to the LTTE's surrender in mid-May.The declaration of victory on May 18, 2009, was met with mixed reactions domestically and globally. While many in Sri Lanka celebrated the end of a long-standing conflict, others critiqued the significant civilian casualties reported and ongoing issues related to ethnic tensions and reconciliation in the post-war period.