The Sri Lankan Tamils, an ethnic minority group in Sri Lanka, have long sought equality, autonomy, and justice due to years of political, social, and economic marginalization by the majority Sinhalese-dominated government. Their demands became especially prominent in the post-independence era and were central to the ethnic conflict that escalated into civil war.
The Three Main Demands of Sri Lankan Tamils
| Demand | Explanation |
| Recognition of Tamil as an Official Language | Tamils wanted Tamil to be given equal status with Sinhala in administration and education. |
| Equal Opportunities in Education and Employment | They demanded fair access to university admissions, government jobs, and public services. |
| Autonomy and Self-Governance | Sri Lankan Tamils sought greater autonomy in the Northern and Eastern provinces where they are the majority. |
Background: Why These Demands Arose
- Ethnic Discrimination: Policies that favored Sinhalese in language, religion, and jobs.
- Cultural Marginalization: Suppression of Tamil language and identity.
- Political Exclusion: Underrepresentation in national politics and decision-making.
These demands were first officially presented through moderate Tamil political parties, such as the Federal Party (Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi), and later more forcefully by militant groups like the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
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