Historical Events tagged with "colombo"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Sri Lankan Protests Erupt Over Economic Crisis

March 15th, 2022 2 years ago

Amid a severe economic crisis, Sri Lankans took to the streets expressing their frustration against rising prices, shortages of essential goods, and rampant inflation. Major cities like Colombo witnessed large-scale demonstrations, fueled by public anger towards the government’s handling of the situation. Citizen activists and various groups organized protests demanding accountability from leadership and solutions to the ongoing hardships faced by the populace.

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Crime & Law

Easter Sunday Bombings in Sri Lanka

April 21st, 2019 5 years ago

Eight bombs detonated at churches and hotels across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, resulting in at least 269 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The coordinated attacks targeted three churches during Easter services and several luxury hotels in Colombo, Negombo, and Batticaloa, raising concerns over religious extremism. Authorities quickly traced the bombings to local Islamist extremist groups and indicated links to international jihadist movements, leading to widespread fear and heightened security measures.

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Crime & Law

Violence Erupts at Welikada Prison in Colombo

November 9th, 2012 12 years ago

A violent conflict unfolded between inmates and guards at Welikada Prison in Colombo, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 individuals and injuring numerous others. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to a significant security response and raising concerns about prison conditions and overcrowding. Witnesses reported chaos as inmates clashed with authorities, demanding better treatment and conditions. The authorities responded to restore order, and the incident garnered widespread media attention, sparking debates about the prison system in Sri Lanka.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Nadarajah Raviraj in Colombo

November 10th, 2006 18 years ago

Nadarajah Raviraj, a prominent Sri Lankan Tamil politician, was assassinated in Colombo. His shooting happened in the capital's Nugegoda area while he was driving. Raviraj served as a Member of Parliament and was an outspoken critic of the government's policies regarding the Tamil population amid the ongoing Sri Lankan Civil War. His assassination marked a significant moment in the escalated tensions and violence directed at Tamil political figures.

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Crime & Law

Explosives Truck Attack on Central Bank

January 31st, 1996 29 years ago

A truck laden with explosives crashed into the gates of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, leading to a catastrophic explosion that killed 86 people and injured around 1,400 others. The attack, attributed to the separatist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), aimed to undermine the government's authority and instill fear within the capital, Colombo. The explosion devastated the surrounding area, damaging numerous buildings and financial institutions.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Sri Lankan President Premadasa

May 1st, 1993 31 years ago

Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa was assassinated in Colombo by a suicide bomber affiliated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The attack occurred while he was participating in a May Day rally, demonstrating the ongoing conflict between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil separatists. Premadasa had been a controversial figure in Sri Lankan politics, having implemented various policies aimed at resolving the ethnic conflict. His assassination highlighted the intensity of the civil war in Sri Lanka, which had already been ongoing for several years.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Lalith Athulathmudali

April 23rd, 1993 31 years ago

Lalith Athulathmudali, a prominent Sri Lankan politician, was assassinated while addressing a political gathering in the capital, Colombo. The incident occurred just weeks before the Provincial Council elections for the Western Province, creating shockwaves through the country. Athulathmudali was known for his strong political stance and had a significant following, enhancing the tensions in an already volatile political landscape. His assassination raised fears of increased violence and instability leading up to the elections.

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Military & Warfare

Colombo Car Bombing by Tamil Tigers

April 21st, 1987 37 years ago

A devastating car bomb exploded in Colombo, resulting in the deaths of 106 individuals. The bomb, attributed to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), targeted a busy area in the Sri Lankan capital, causing extensive damage and chaos. This incident was part of the escalating conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE, who fought for an independent Tamil state. The blast not only resulted in significant loss of life but also further intensified the civil strife that had already torn the country apart.

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Crime & Law

Bombing of Air Lanka Flight 512 in Colombo

May 3rd, 1986 38 years ago

A bombing on Air Lanka Flight 512 occurred at Colombo airport, resulting in the deaths of twenty-one individuals and injuring forty-one others. The explosive device detonated during a terrorist attack attributed to the Tamil Tigers, a militant organization engaged in a protracted civil conflict in Sri Lanka. This targeted act aimed to disrupt civilian air travel, highlighting the ensuing violence and turmoil caused by ethnic tensions in the region. The event raised concerns globally regarding security measures at airports and amidst air travel amidst such conflicts.

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