Sinhalese Involvement with the LTTE: A Complex Reality

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was a Tamil nationalist organization that sought an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka. While the LTTE was predominantly a Tamil organization, cases of Sinhalese individuals providing support or joining the LTTE were reported during the civil war. This article explores various aspects of Sinhalese involvement with the LTTE, from ideological support to direct participation.

I. Ideological Support

Some Sinhalese individuals supported the LTTE for reasons related to their opposition to the Sri Lankan government's treatment of Tamils and in solidarity with human rights issues. This form of support was not widespread but existed in certain segments of Sinhalese society. They believed that the LTTE represented a stance against what they perceived as government oppression.

II. Conflict Dynamics

During the civil war, there were reports of Sinhalese individuals who were disillusioned with the government or opposed the war and its impact on civilians. Some of these individuals provided covert assistance to the LTTE, though such cases were relatively rare. It is important to note that these reports do not reflect the general population's views but rather represent the actions of a few isolated individuals.

III. Joining Forces

While the LTTE was predominantly Tamil, there were instances where individuals from other ethnic backgrounds, including some Sinhalese, joined the organization. These individuals were often driven by personal convictions rather than widespread involvement. Factors such as perceived injustice, the complexity of the civil conflict, and personal experiences may have influenced their decision to join the LTTE.

IV. Government and LTTE Relations

There were instances where the government, through its policies, indirectly aided the LTTE. For example, during the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) intervention, there were reports that the Sinhalese government provided secret support to the LTTE by supplying them with arms. This act was later discovered and had significant consequences for both the LTTE and the government.

V. Criticism and Allegations

It is important to address criticisms and allegations against specific individuals or groups. Some critics have pointed to instances where certain Sinhalese leaders or mainstream society members worked with the LTTE for personal gain or ideological reasons. However, it is crucial to separate these isolated cases from the general population's views and actions during the conflict.

Regarding the notion of traitors and opportunistic individuals, it is clear that there were instances of such behavior in any conflict, not just in the Sri Lankan civil war. Artists, writers, and scholars occasionally provide support to extremist or terrorist groups for personal or political reasons, including the LTTE. This behavior is unfortunately not unique to any particular ethnic group in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan civil war was a complex and brutal conflict, with multiple factors driving the actions of all involved. Understanding the dynamics of Sinhalese involvement with the LTTE requires a nuanced approach that recognizes both the isolated cases of support and the dominant stance of the Sri Lankan populace against the LTTE's violence and terror.