Sixteen years after the end of Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil war, a quiet yet powerful step towards justice and reconciliation is finally unfolding. The long-awaited process of returning a significant quantity of gold and silver—once seized from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)—has officially begun. This move not only promises to restore ownership to rightful civilian holders but also carries symbolic weight for a nation still grappling with its post-war realities.
The recovered gold, previously held by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), is now being transferred to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority is tasked with the responsibility of valuation and safekeeping—a clear signal of the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and restitution.
The Hidden Stories Behind the Gold
During the war, particularly in LTTE-controlled areas, civilians were left with little to no access to formal financial institutions. In response, the LTTE established their own parallel banking system—often referred to as “Eelam Banks.” While these illegal banks served as a lifeline for everyday financial transactions such as pawning gold, they were also instrumental in laundering the organization’s illicit funds.
Gold has long held deep cultural, spiritual, and economic significance in Tamil communities. It is not merely an asset but a cherished inheritance, an emblem of tradition, and a symbol of prosperity. From adorning deities in temples to being a prized possession in every household, gold plays an integral role in Tamil life.
During the humanitarian operation that led to the retreat of the LTTE, many of these so-called Eelam banks were abandoned. The fleeing cadres took with them most of the cash and valuables, but some gold—left behind in the banks, bunkers, and hideouts—was secured by advancing security forces. These dramatic events were witnessed globally, broadcasted live during the final days of the war.
From Custody to Accountability
Once in control of the recovered valuables, the Sri Lankan Army and other state actors moved to document, safeguard, and store the gold under tight security. This was no small task—it required meticulous cataloging, identification, and verification, a process that has spanned over a decade. The goal has always been to return the gold to its rightful owners, and with the latest initiative, this long-overdue promise is being fulfilled.
Beyond restitution, this effort presents an opportunity for the Sri Lankan Army to reaffirm its integrity, not just in military terms but as an institution accountable to the public. In a time when narratives of conflict are still contested and when misinformation threatens reconciliation efforts, showcasing the army’s role in ethical conduct during wartime matters deeply. The process of securing and returning valuables is one of many untold stories of the army’s operational discipline and humanity during and after the conflict.
A Catalyst for Reconciliation
More than a bureaucratic process, the return of the gold represents a broader step in the ongoing journey of national healing. At a time when reconciliation remains fragile, this action can help rebuild trust between communities and the state. It also reaffirms that post-conflict recovery must extend beyond infrastructure and development; it must also address justice, dignity, and symbolic reparation.
Interfaith and inter-ethnic engagement is crucial here. The act of returning the gold to Tamil civilians is not only about property—it’s about acknowledging history, respecting culture, and restoring a sense of justice. For reconciliation to be meaningful, it must be inclusive, credible, and sensitive to the memories and identities of all communities.
A Regional Example
Importantly, the manner in which Sri Lanka handles this process may set a precedent for post-conflict societies in the region. The Sri Lankan Army, despite the scars of war, has emerged as a reliable institution capable of adapting to the challenges of peace. From assisting in development to facilitating administrative functions, its role in post-conflict regeneration has been significant.
The army’s treatment of all ethnic groups with equality and respect throughout this process is a message of unity—a signal that national healing is not just possible but actively underway. As the gold makes its way back to the hands of those who once pawned it out of desperation, so too returns a glimmer of faith in the system.
Conclusion
The return of gold from LTTE banks is not just a transaction—it is a story of resilience, responsibility, and reconciliation. It reminds us that the path to peace is long and layered, but that justice, when pursued with sincerity and integrity, can shine through—even after years of silence. In this act, Sri Lanka takes one more step toward a future where every citizen, regardless of past divisions, can believe in fairness, dignity, and hope.
