The Role of Disinformation and Misinformation in the Tamil Genocide
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Disinformation and misinformation were central to enabling and justifying the Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government, backed by state-controlled media and international disinformation networks, used false narratives to dehumanize Tamils, obscure war crimes, and suppress calls for accountability. This manipulation shaped public perception, reduced international pressure, and allowed systematic violence to escalate unchecked.
Key disinformation tactics included:
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Terrorist Labeling and Criminalization: The Sri Lankan state consistently framed Tamil civilians and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as synonymous, justifying indiscriminate attacks on Tamil populations.
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War Crime Denial: Despite mounting evidence, the government dismissed reports of mass killings, enforced disappearances, and sexual violence as fabricated propaganda.
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Media Suppression and Censorship: Journalists reporting on Tamil suffering were targeted, with many killed or forced into exile, silencing independent investigations.
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Social Media Manipulation: Pro-government actors used social platforms to spread false narratives, including exaggerated casualty figures for Sri Lankan forces while downplaying Tamil deaths.
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Erasure of Historical Atrocities: The destruction of Tamil cultural sites and manipulation of history were used to suppress collective memory and weaken demands for justice.
A stark example of this was the Sri Lankan government's claim that no civilians were killed in the final months of the war, despite UN reports estimating tens of thousands of Tamil deaths.
Disinformation campaigns hindered global intervention, prolonged suffering, and continue to obstruct justice. Addressing these tactics is essential for truth, accountability, and reconciliation.
