In protest to the Indian presence, a resurrected JVP orchestrates a second armed uprising.
Timeline of events under "Human rights" issue
Sri Lanka ratifies the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Anti-Tamil riots break out in parts of Colombo, and later spread to other areas, lasting one week. The riots are in response to the killing of 13 soldiers by the Tamil Tigers in Jaffna. The event is later remembered as 'Black July'. Estimates of Tamil deaths vary from 387 (official figures) to 3,000 Tamils; 18,000 Tamil homes and 5,000 shops were destroyed. Over 100,000 Tamils fled to India. A state of emergency is imposed.
Prevention of Terrorism Act is passed, suspending important safeguards against human rights violations. Mass arrests of Tamil youth ensue, along with a spate of extra-judicial killings and 'disappearances'.
An armed insurrection breaks out in the south led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). The government later quells the rebellion with international assistance, killing thousands of insurgents.
Communal riots in Colombo, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Eravur and Kurunegala during May and June. An estimated 300-400 killed, over 2,000 incidents of arson, looting and assault, and 12,000 'Ceylonese' (Tamils) displaced from the riots.
The Soulbury Constitution is adopted and general elections are held for the parliament of Ceylon. The Constitution included Section 29 which prohibited discrimination in legislation against any specific community.
