NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Civics: Power SharingExplain the majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan government to establish Sinhala supremacy after gaining independence in 1948. How did these measures lead to feelings of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils?

Introduction to Sri Lankan Majoritarianism\nAfter gaining independence in 1948, the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka adopted a series of majoritarian measures to establish the dominance of the Sinhala community. These policies severely undermined the rights and representation of the minority Tamil population, leading to prolonged ethnic conflict.

Key Majoritarian Measures Adopted

• Act of 1956 (Sinhala Only Act): In 1956, an Act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official language, completely disregarding Tamil. This immediately marginalized Tamil-speaking citizens in official communication and administration.
• Preferential Policies: The government followed preferential policies that favored Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. This created severe economic and educational disadvantages for the Tamil youth.
• State Protection for Buddhism: A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism, which alienated the minority communities practicing Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.

Consequences and Alienation of Sri Lankan Tamils

• Loss of Trust: All these government measures, coming one after the other, gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils.
• Perception of Second-Class Status: They felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders were sensitive to their language, culture, and political rights.
• Rise of Militancy: As a result, the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained over time. The Tamils launched political parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil, for regional autonomy, and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
• Civil War: However, their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was repeatedly denied. By the 1980s, several political organizations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern Sri Lanka. This distrust and conflict soon turned into a widespread civil war, causing a terrible setback to the social, cultural, and economic life of the country.

Conclusion\nIn conclusion, the majoritarian approach adopted by the Sri Lankan government to ensure dominance of one community over the other destroyed the democratic fabric of the nation, proving that absolute power sharing is essential for peace and unity in a diverse society.