Whilst the February 2002 ceasefire agreement between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE worked to temporarily diminish some violence, a permanent political settlement is still out of sight, remaining at best a hope with numerous new complexities being thrown in the mix daily. This book encapsulates articles presented at a seminar organsed by the Chennai Chapter of Observer Research Foundation on 27 September 2003 on ethnic conflict and peace-building exercises in Sri Lanka post 1978.The seminar was part of an effort to focus attention on the various aspects of the Sri Lankan peace process and its impact on the island politically, economically and militarily. Contributors to this book include Iqbal Athas, Devanesan Nesiah, Dr.Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Dr. Gamini Samaranayake and M. Rasgotra the essays together explore the interplay of domestic politics, sub continental relevance and increasing interest in the Sri Lankan conflict together with the post- 9/11 mindfulness of global terrorism.