This book presents a political history of Sri Lanka, with special focus on the reasons for and results of the ethnic violence that has plagued the country. After an incisive study of the background, it explores the contribution of the J R Jayewardene government that led to tensions with India.

Having dealt with the Indian intervention in Sri Lanka in 1987, it looks at further developments and the failure of both the Kumaratunga and Wickremesinghe governments to quell violence or provide political solutions. Also, it makes a brief analysis of the prospects of current government in the context of increasing international concern over both terrorism and basic human rights.