SBS Dateline | War Stories

It’s almost a year since the Sri Lankan Government defeated the Tamil Tigers after 27 years of civil war, but survivors on both sides are still seeking answers over accusations of war crimes.

Video journalist Ginny Stein tracks down Tamil civilians who were trapped, along with the Tigers, in the tiny enclave where the rebels made their last stand.

Witnesses allege the Sri Lankan government deliberately shelled safe zones and hospitals, and restricted supplies in order to starve out and execute the rebels.

But equally, there are reports that the Tigers forcibly conscripted children, killed parents who objected and used civilians as human shields.

Now, two senior United Nations officials are calling for an international investigation into possible war crimes in the closing stages of the conflict.

Watch Ginny Stein's report as she hears both sides of the story to try and find out what really happened.

You can also see Dateline’s past reports on the conflict, on our Sri Lanka country page.