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SRI LANKA, January 2, 2004: It has been almost two years since a ceasefire was announced between the Tamil Tigers and the government. After twenty years of civil war, the Tamil Tiger rebels now control areas of northern Sri Lanka. In order to enter these areas, travellers must pass through immigration and custom offices manned by young Tamil Tigers cadres. Many travellers pay heavy duties and taxes to enter the northern areas. These taxes are used to sustain the administrative structures the Tigers have set up. Travellers feel like they are entering another country after just completing a security check by the government when they first entered Sri Lanka. Despite the fact that the northern countryside still has land mines, the people are rebuilding temples destroyed during the war and a small tourist industry in now thriving. The article adds, “As for the political mood, the rebel leaders are now waiting to see the results of the current power struggle in the capital, Colombo, where President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe have deep differences over the peace process.” Ordinary people in Sri Lanka feel that 2004 will be a crucial year for the peace process.

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