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 made Sinhala the sole official language of Sri Lanka, excluding Tamil. This, along with other policies, led to:
Discrimination in jobs and education – Tamils faced reduced opportunities.
Political exclusion – Tamils were denied equal representation.
Cultural marginalization – Tamil language and identity were undermined.
Emergence of Tamil nationalism – Peaceful protests were followed by demands for autonomy, and eventually civil war. The majoritarian policies of the Sinhala-dominated government led to deep distrust and prolonged ethnic conflict.