Sri Lankan Tamils are an ethnic group primarily found in Sri Lanka, where they make up about 12% of the population. They speak Tamil, a Dravidian language, and have a rich cultural heritage that includes unique traditions, festivals, and cuisine. Most Sri Lankan Tamils are Hindus, but there are also Christians and Muslims among them. Historically, Sri Lankan Tamils have faced various challenges, including political and social discrimination. This tension culminated in a prolonged civil conflict that lasted from 1983 to 2009, primarily between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Today, many Sri Lankan Tamils live in the northern and eastern regions of the island.