Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
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.
All these government measures, coming one after the other, gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders was sensitive to their language and culture. They felt that the constitution and government policies denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interests. As a result, the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained over time.
The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an official language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education and
jobs. But their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was repeatedly denied. By 1980s several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a CIVIL WAR. As a result thousands of people of both the communities have been killed. Many families were forced to leave the country
as refugees and many more lost their livelihoods. Civil war has caused a terrible setback to the social, cultural and economic life of the country.
(make questions )
Answers
Answer:
Q.no.1- The process of dominance over the government by virtue of majority is seen in which country?
(a)Bangladesh (b)Belgium (c)Sri Lanka (d)The Netherlands
Choose the correct option.
Q.no.2- What is the PRUDENTIAL reason behind Power Sharing?
Q.no.3- Explain Three measures taken by Sri Lanka, according to an Act passed in 1956.
OR
Why did the Sri Lankan Tamils feel alienated in spite of their long stay in Sri Lanka?
Q.no.4- Compare the situation of Belgium and Sri Lanka considering their location,size and cultural aspects.
Q.no.5- How majoritarianism has increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils? Explain.
Explanation:
These questions will help for Board examination point of view.
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