The Rare Victory of Sri Lanka's Long War. In 2009, Sri Lankan government forces literally eradicated the Tamil Tiger insurgency after 26 years of civil war. This was the first time that a government had defeated an indigenous insurgency by force of arms. This is a gripping account of the strategy, tactics, diplomacy and human tragedies involved. Professor Moorcroft was given unprecedented access to Sri Lankan politicians, senior generals, UN officials, foreign diplomats and NGOs. He also interviewed the surviving leader of the Tamil Tigers. His conclusions and findings will be controversial.