South Asia Human Security Series Evolving Security Discourse in Sri Lanka From National Security to Human Security

This volume, part of the BIISS South Asia Human Security Series, explores how Sri Lanka’s long civil conflict and subsequent transitions have reshaped security thinking from a state-centric to a people-centered perspective. It reviews the legacies of armed conflict, displacement, and militarization, as well as the challenges of reconciliation, minority rights and inclusive development. The author situates Sri Lanka’s experience within broader debates on transitional justice, post-war reconstruction, and governance reform. By tracing the conceptual shift from national to human security, the book shows how policy must address grievances, rebuild trust and ensure equitable growth to prevent relapse into violence. It highlights lessons for South Asia: reconciliation processes, institution-building, community resilience and the risks of securitization that marginalizes people’s needs. The text demonstrates that peace is more than the absence of war—it is the presence of justice, dignity and opportunity.