Question

Describe the factors that were responsible for the Civil War in Sri Lanka.

Answer 1

Instructions: Explain the reasons starting with the circumstances that led to civil war in Sri Lanka. It's a 5 marks question so answer in about 100- 120 words.

Answer:
The majoritarian measures and policies implemented by the Sinhala community increased the feeling of alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt that the constitution and government policies denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interests. As a result, the relations between Sinhala and Tamil Communities got strained over time.

The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an official language, and equality of opportunities in getting education and jobs. By the 1980s, several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state). These demands were repeatedly denied by the government. The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a civil war.