Political Violence and the Future of Democracy in Sri Lanka

Abstract The paper deals with the language riots that occurred in summer 1984 between the Tamils and Sinhalese of Sri Lanka. It adopts the position that powerful elements within the govemment, especially the govemment trade union, were involved in these riots. The riots were moreover reflective of the political institutionalization of violence in Sri Lanka and herald the demise of democracy. The Sinhala-Tamil antagonisms and their historical background as well as their significance for the future are discussed in detail.