Tropical cyclone Very Severe Cyclonic Storm BOB 01[1] takes aim at Sri Lanka making landfall on 16 May 2003, the storm produced record amounts of rainfall and led to severe flooding in more low elevation areas of the nation. The storm would end up displacing 800,000 residents as a result of the severe flooding.[2]
In October 2003, the LTTE issues a proposal known as the Interim Self Governing Authority. Once approved, it will assure the LTTE governance of the eastern areas of Sri Lanka, getting them closer to establishing an independent Tamil Eelam.[3]