10 Questions
What major measures did the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka adopt to establish Sinhala supremacy?
Recognizing Sinhala as the only official language, preferential policies for Sinhala applicants for university and government jobs, protecting and fostering Buddhism in the constitution.
How did the adoption of Sinhala as the only official language affect the Tamil community in Sri Lanka?
It disregarded Tamil, leading to increased feelings of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils.
Why did the Sri Lankan Tamils feel discriminated against in terms of political rights, job opportunities, and interests?
They felt that government policies denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in jobs, and ignored their interests.
What demands did the Sri Lankan Tamils launch parties and struggles for?
Recognition of Tamil as an official language, regional autonomy, and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
Why did the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strain over time?
The Sinhala-led government measures increased feelings of alienation among the Tamil community, leading to strained relations.
What repeated demand for autonomy was denied to the provinces populated by the Tamils?
Demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by Tamils was repeatedly denied.
How did the preferential policies for Sinhala applicants impact the Tamil community's access to university positions and government jobs?
The policies favored Sinhala applicants, limiting the opportunities available to the Tamil community.
What constitutional provision escalated the feelings of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils?
The provision stipulating that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
Why did the Sri Lankan Tamils feel that major political parties led by Sinhala leaders were insensitive to their language and culture?
They felt that the parties were not sensitive to their language and culture because of the government measures favoring Sinhala over Tamil.
What action did the governments take in 1956 that disregarded the Tamil language?
Passing an Act to recognize Sinhala as the only official language.
Test your knowledge on the history of Sri Lanka's independence and the government's adoption of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy, including the recognition of Sinhala as the only official language. Learn about the preferential policies that favored Sinhala applicants for university positions and government roles.
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