Question

Describe any three majoritarian measures
adopted by the democratically elected Sri
Lankan government to establish Sinhala
supremacy. Explain how these measures were
against the values of democracy.(5)

Answer 1

Answer:

The series of majoritarian measures adopted by the democratically elected government were as follows:

(i) In 1956, an act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the official language thus disregarding Tamil.

(ii) The government followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.

(iii) A new Constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.