"Voice of Unnamed": Critical Feminist Intervention in Post-war Sri Lankan Peacebuilding

This research paper constitutes a critical feminist scholarship examining post-war peacebuilding in Sri Lanka, with a specific focus on the 'voice of the unnamed' group—former combatants associated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam movement. The feminist intervention builds upon Sheila Rowbotham’s work in feminism, urging an exploration of power dynamics that shape the scope and nature of history, representation, and recognition for oppressed groups. The central theme of Rowbotham’s scholarship revolves around the reexamination of feminist consciousness. It seeks to redefine it as a formidable force of resistance aimed at dismantling stereotypes and establishing a political space characterized by equality and representation for the voices of the oppressed, whom she refers to as the 'unnamed.' Rowbotham's conceptualization of the 'unnamed' extends beyond gender dynamics to encompass class considerations, particularly the working class. Rowbotham's scholarly perspective serves as a guiding framework for this research, prompting an exploration of the intersecting power dynamics involving gender, class, ethnicity, and the 'former combatant' who remains 'unnamed' within the post-war peace discourse. Building upon Rowbotham's scholarship, this research delves into the political consciousness of both male and female former combatants who joined the Liberation Tigers movement (LTTE) and advocated for peace in the post-war context. The study scrutinizes the influence of gender, class, ethnicity, and combat or militant consciousness on individuals' decisions to join the LTTE. It also investigates how these varied forms of consciousness influenced the organization of the LTTE in pursuit of the shared political goal of liberation. Furthermore, the research examines the representation of women within the LTTE and how gender and class consciousness intersected with the re-emergence of caste consciousness. In doing so, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics at play within the LTTE, shedding light on the complex interplay of various factors that shaped individuals' involvement and the broader organizational objectives. The research problem at hand centers around the paradoxical phenomenon of post-war peacebuilding policies in Sri Lanka. Despite the growing consciousness towards inclusivity, these policies have resulted in the resurgence of fragmented peace consciousness, notably excluding the representation of former combatants. This issue prompts two key research questions: firstly, an exploration into the peace consciousness of former combatants, and secondly, an examination of how feminist consciousness is manifested within the peace consciousness of these former combatant. This qualitative research involved the collection of empirical data from 15 former combatants affiliated with the LTTE movement in exile, currently residing in London, as well as 15 non-combatants also based in London. The data collection employed the method of semi-structured interviews, conducted through both in-person and online interactions. Additionally, the research incorporated the method of ethnography by actively participating in and observing two political events that transpired in London in 2023. These events included the commemoration of Mullivaikkal, aimed at remembering the civilians and former combatants who lost their lives during the civil war. The second event, 'Gota-Go-Home' in 2023, constituted a political protest aligning with the mass movement in Sri Lanka.