THE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TAMIL MINORITY AND THE SINHALESE MAJORITY IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

The conflict between the Tamil minority and the Sinhalese majority in Sri Lanka intensified during the mid-20th century, rooted in colonial-era policies and nationalist strategies adopted after independence. During British rule, the Tamil minority enjoyed disproportionate representation in civil services, education, and administration, which created a sense of deprivation among the Sinhalese majority. After independence, political power shifted to the Sinhalese, who, in reaction, implemented policies that politically and economically marginalized the Tamils.