In 2003, the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) signed a ceasefire agreement, also known as the CFA, that aimed to bring an end to the decades-long civil war that had devastated the country.
The CFA was a historical moment in Sri Lanka`s history and an attempt to find a peaceful solution to the conflict that had cost the lives of thousands of people. However, the agreement was short-lived and eventually collapsed in 2008, leading to a renewed escalation of violence.
The CFA was signed on February 22, 2002, by then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. The agreement aimed to create a ceasefire zone, demilitarize certain areas, and establish a Joint Mechanism to oversee the peace process.
Under the terms of the agreement, the LTTE agreed to cease all attacks on the Sri Lankan military, and the government agreed to end its military offensive against the LTTE. The ceasefire was initially successful, and violence in the region decreased significantly.
However, the peace process faced several challenges, including allegations of violations by both parties. The LTTE accused the government of failing to disarm paramilitary groups, while the government accused the LTTE of continuing to recruit child soldiers and engaging in illegal activities.
Despite these challenges, the peace process continued until 2006 when the LTTE withdrew from the negotiations, citing the Sri Lankan government`s failure to address Tamil grievances. The LTTE resumed its armed struggle, and the conflict intensified once again.
In 2008, the Sri Lankan government formally withdrew from the CFA, and the military launched a major offensive against the LTTE. The offensive culminated in the defeat of the LTTE in May 2009, bringing an end to the civil war.
In conclusion, the 2003 ceasefire agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE was a significant moment in the country`s history, and it demonstrated the potential for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, the agreement was short-lived, and the renewed violence that followed highlights the challenges of achieving lasting peace in the region.