Bomb blasts are a major feature of the war 1994 - President Kumaratunga comes to power pledging to end war. 1995 - Peace talks collapse and LTTE resumes bombing campaign. Government launches major offensive, driving separatists out of Jaffna. 1996 - State of emergency extended across the country after LTTE bombs capital, Colombo. Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist site.
Tigers capture key northern town after intensive fighting.
1999 - President Kumaratunga is wounded in a bomb attack at an election rally. She is re-elected president. 2000 February - Norway says it will act as intermediary in peace push. 2000 April - LTTE captures strategic Elephant Pass in north of island. 2000 October - President Kumaratunga's People's Alliance wins general elections.