Question

Examine the reasons for strained relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities

Answer 1

1. Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948.

2. The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over  government by virtue of their majority.

3. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of  majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.

4. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official  language, thus disregarding Tamil.

5. The governments followed preferential policies that favored Sinhala  applicants for university positions and government jobs.

6. A new constitution stipulated that the state Protect and foster  Buddhism.

7. All these measures gradually increased the feeling of Alienation among  the Sri Lankan Tamils.

Thanks

Answer 2

Dispute between Sinhala and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka:

The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority.

In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil.

The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.

A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

These developments instigated a feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils.