BLACK JULY Meaning and
Definition
-
Black July refers to a significant event that occurred in Sri Lanka in July 1983, characterized by widespread violence, riots, and targeted attacks against the Tamil minority population. This event holds historical significance due to its devastating consequences and impact on the country's sociopolitical landscape.
During Black July, a wave of anti-Tamil sentiment and hostility resulted in one of the most brutal episodes of communal violence witnessed in Sri Lanka. It began with the ambush and killing of 13 government soldiers by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which was followed by retaliatory violence against Tamils. Organized mobs, often alleged to have been supported by political forces, engaged in a systematic campaign of violence targeting Tamil businesses, homes, and individuals.
The term "Black July" gained popularity as it encapsulates the horrors and immense scale of the violence that unfolded during that month. Tamil homes were looted and burned, while numerous innocent Tamil civilians were subjected to physical violence, sexual assault, and even murder. The riots led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Tamils, with many fleeing their homes in fear of further attacks.
Black July left deep scars on the country's history, contributing significantly to the already existing ethnic tensions and ultimately fueling the Sri Lankan Civil War. The event is seen as a tragic reminder of the divisions that plagued Sri Lankan society and the lasting consequences of these divisions.
Etymology of BLACK JULY
The term "Black July" refers to a dark period in Sri Lankan history, specifically to the anti-Tamil riots that took place in July 1983. The etymology is quite straightforward, as it is a combination of the color "black" and the month "July". The events of that month were marked by widespread violence, looting, and attacks primarily targeting the Tamil minority community in Sri Lanka. The riots were triggered by the killing of 13 Sri Lankan soldiers by Tamil militants, leading to an outbreak of communal tensions and retaliatory violence. The term "Black July" is used to acknowledge the magnitude of the tragedy and the immense suffering experienced by Tamil civilians during that month.
