Social Movements & Civil Rights

Gal Oya Riots Target Sri Lankan Tamils

The Gal Oya riots began in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, marking the first reported ethnic riots aimed at the minority Sri Lankan Tamils. Triggered by political tensions, these riots spread rapidly throughout the region. Reports indicated that approximately 150 people lost their lives, with many others injured. The violence was rooted in longstanding grievances between communities, exacerbated by ethnic and political rivalries. The unrest drew attention to the fragile ethnic dynamics in Sri Lanka, setting a precedent for future conflicts.

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