Home Preparation for National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)/ Olympiad
Chapter : 1. Power Sharing
Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka
Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka > The leader of the Sinhala community dominated the government & adopted a series of majoritarin measures. (A) Srilanka become independent in 1948. (B) In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil. (C) Sinhala applicants were favoured for university and government jobs. (D) The constitution gives special protection to Buddhism. (E) The result of these policies make the Srilankan Tamils feel that - (I) Leaders were insensitive to their language and culture. (II) Government policies deprived them of equal political rights. (F) They were discriminated against in getting jobs & other opportunities. Demands of Srilankan Tamils : 1. Recognition of Tamils as an official language. 2. For regional autonomy. 3. Equality of opportunity in securing education & jobs. 4. Demand was made for an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Srilanka. The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a civil war.