The peninsula has been the center of the guerrillas' fight for a homeland for minority Tamils in the north and east for 12 years.

The draft constitution would give greater power to regions, including one administered by ethnic minority Tamils, but did not find enough support in Parliament.

The rebels have been fighting for a separate homeland for minority Tamils in Sri Lanka's north and east since 1983.

The Tigers have waged a 19-year struggle for an independent state for the minority Tamils in Sri Lanka.

The modern temple has been a source of conflict between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils due to its position in a geostrategically important area.

It was aimed at ending the conflict between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils.

It has experienced ethnic tensions between its majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils and Moors populations since 1915 from time to time.

Tamil guerrillas are fighting to set up an autonomous state there for the minority Tamils that would not be dominated by the Sinhalese majority.

A sizable population also exists of minority Tamils and a smaller percentage of Muslims.

The accord grants some autonomy to minority Tamils, who make up 18 percent of Sri Lanka's 16 million people.