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Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka refers to the political and social dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority, particularly after independence in 1948. This approach led to policies that discriminated against the Tamil-speaking minority, resulting in long-term ethnic tensions, social unrest, and a devastating civil war.
Key Results of Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka
| Aspect | Result/Impact |
| Ethnic Tensions | Discrimination against Tamils created deep-rooted mistrust and division. |
| Language Policy | Sinhala Only Act (1956) alienated Tamil speakers and limited their opportunities. |
| Education & Jobs | Tamil youth faced inequality in university admissions and government jobs. |
| Civil War | Fueled the rise of LTTE and led to a brutal civil war (1983–2009). |
| Human Rights Issues | Widespread violence, displacement, and loss of life among both communities. |
| Economic Impact | War drained resources, disrupted development, and hurt the national economy. |
| Global Reputation | International criticism over human rights violations and ethnic discrimination. |
Explanation
After gaining independence, the Sri Lankan government adopted a majoritarian approach to governance, promoting Sinhalese culture and Buddhism at the expense of minority Tamils and Muslims. The Sinhala Only Act of 1956 made Sinhala the sole official language, marginalizing the Tamil population in government, education, and employment.
This led to protests, riots, and increasing discontent among Tamils, culminating in the rise of militant groups such as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The ethnic conflict escalated into a full-blown civil war that lasted for nearly three decades, claiming thousands of lives and displacing many families.
Although the war ended in 2009, the scars of majoritarianism remain in the form of ethnic divisions and calls for reconciliation and equal rights.
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