“Accord Without a Voice: 38 Years of Imposed Silence”
Marking 38 Years of the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord: Unkept Promises and Enduring Struggle Editor’s Note July 29 marks the 38th anniversary of the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord , signed on 29 July 1987 amid a brutal civil war. This report is compiled to reflect on the Accord’s legacy and its impact on the Eelam Tamil community – the Tamil people of Sri Lanka’s north-east – who have endured war, displacement, and discrimination. The aim is to provide a balanced, in-depth analysis that gathers survivor accounts, historical records, and expert commentary. We hope to shed light on the unresolved issues of identity, autonomy, and justice that have persisted for decades. Some testimonies include graphic memories of violence; readers are advised of the sensitive nature of these accounts. The following sections encapsulate the history, voices from the ground, and current relevance of the Accord’s promises and failures, presented with contextual maps and timelines for clarity.- Wimal Navaratnam, Hum...