Question

“The law enacted in 1956 and other Constitutional Provisions led to major conflict between the two communities in Sri Lanka.” Support the statement.

Hint:

Ethnic conflicts can arise when majority communities suppress minority rights.

Answer 1

The 1956 Sinhala Only Act designated Sinhala as Sri Lanka's only official language, marginalizing Tamil. This act, coupled with other governmental actions, caused:
Employment and educational disparities – Tamils encountered diminished prospects.
Political disenfranchisement – Tamils were denied equitable representation.
Cultural suppression – Tamil language and cultural identity were diminished.
Rise of Tamil nationalism – Peaceful demonstrations evolved into calls for self-governance, culminating in civil conflict. The Sinhalese-dominated government's majoritarian approach engendered deep mistrust and protracted ethnic strife.