ABSTRACT
The decimation of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009 is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular events in modern Sri Lankan history. The victory is remarkable because not so long ago Sri Lanka watchers around the world were unanimous that neither side can impose its will over the other through military means and the only solution to the protracted ethnic conflict is for the two warring sides to come together and negotiate a political settlement along a federal model.
