You are on page 1of 3

Social Studies Theme 2: Conflict and Harmony in Multi-Ethnic States, Chapter 4: Sri Lanka + Northern Ireland Reasons for

the conflict in Sri Lanka: (a) Lack of citizenship rights for Indian Tamils

a. In 1948, Sri Lanka granted citizenship only to those who were either born in Sri Lanka or those whose fathers and grandfathers were also born there. b. As a result, many Indian Tamils found themselves stateless (not citizens of any country) As many as 100,000 Indian Tamils remained stateless and to be stateless meant they could not vote, have education, purchase housing or be employed Quality of life for Indian Tamils decreased. c. Indian Tamils that they were sidelined and discriminated against by the Sinhalese Resentment towards Sinhalese as they considered this to be very unfair d. Tension and unhappiness increased Led to conflict between the Sinhalese and Indian Tamils. e. In 2003, the Sri Lankan government passed the Grant of Citizenship to Persons of Origin Bill. Any person of Indian Origin who had permanently lived in Sri Lanka since 1964, granted citizenship along with children.

(b) Sinhala Only Policy Due to British Colonial Rule a. English; Official language in Sri Lanka during British rule English educated Tamils held some of the most powerful jobs in the government service even though they were a minority in the country. b. Sinhalese were majority in the country but they were at disadvantage because they were unable to read or write English well Sinhalese people wanted to improve their social standing.
c. In 1956, Sinhala became the official language (1956 Official Language Act),

d. Tamils in the government service were given three years to master Sinhala, those who failed to do so would be sacked. Tamils felt that it was unfair to expect them to learn in such short periods of time.

e. Tamils upset as they felt that Sinhalese were trying to force Tamils out of government jobs as those who failed to master Sinhala were dismissed or not promoted Unable to secure employment in the civil service, with no promotions of jobs. Earned less income Decrease in Tamils QOL + SOL . f. Tamils felt that Sinhalese create the Sinhala only Policy to make life difficult for the Tamils Deep sense of unfairness Hatred began to build up Tension created between the 2 races Conflict

(c) University Admission Criteria Due to British Colonial Rule a. Admission to University in Sri Lanka was originally by merit Exams were held in English b. From 1970s onwards, Sinhalese created new laws that required Tamils to score higher grades to get a place in University It was easier for Sinhalese to get a place in Engineering, Medicine or Law courses c. A number of places were reserved for Sinhalese people only Fewer Tamils would enter University Fewer Tamils could therefore get higher paying jobs which required a University Degree d. Entire Tamil community began to have fewer university qualified people SOL for Tamils began to decline since many could not make it to university and secure better paying jobs. e. Tamils felt that it was unfair Feelings of hatred created Conflict between 2 races generated.

(d) Resettlement of Sinhalese in Tamil territory

a. Poor Sinhalese peasants were resettled into the densely-populated Tamil areas Government implemented this policy to provide fertile land for landless Sinhalese peasants to live on and to cultivate. b. Sinhalese soldiers and Buddhist monks also came to live in Tamil land Driving out Tamils from their villages Tamils loss their home and source of income
c. Tamils were angry with the large scale government resettlement schemes because they felt that it was a deliberate attempt by the Sri Lankan government to reduce Tamil dominance in those areas and also they had an attachment to the land as they lived on the land for generations.

d. Tamils felt disrespected, threatened and ill-treated by the Sinhalese QOL for Tamils declined as many were driven out became refugees Tamils became unhappy with Sinhalese Conflict generated.

Consequence of Sri Lanka Crisis: (a) Social Consequences

a. Large-scale displacement of Tamil civilians beyond its borders Caused by the entry of Sinhala troops and Buddhist monks into Tamil territories. b. Sinhalese army also created safe zone known as High Security Zones (HSZs) Tamils driven out of the land, losing their homes and crops Loss their source of income Unable to support their families Refugees c. Lived in refugee camps which were overcrowded and unhygienic Easy spread of diseases Tamil refugees had insufficient food and drank from contaminated water supply Contracted contagious illnesses d. Many Tamils died from diseases and malnutrition Thousands of innocent lives were lost.
(b) Economic Consequences

a. Tourism market declined as the fighting frightened the tourists away Visitors did not want to lose their lives in the cross-fire between the Tamil Tigers and government forces. b. Tamil Tigers suicide attacks brought about danger to Sri Lankas visitors, tourists avoided Sri Lanka Various industries linked to tourism like airline and hospitality sectors were badly affected as the absence of tourists meant fewer people spent their money in Sri Lanka and the business people made less money. c. Businesses less able to improve the pay of the Sri Lanka workers Some even retrenched their staff as business did not improve Many Sri Lankans lost their jobs Loss of income for the family QOL for Sri Lankan families fell Many became impoverished/poor.
(b) Economic Consequences 2

a. Foreign investors would avoid investing in Sri Lanka as they feared investments would be destroyed in the civil war Foreign companies avoided setting up business in Sri Lanka b. With fewer companies investing in Sri Lanka Less jobs would be created Many Sri Lankans unable to find employment Jobless No income will lead to decline in QOL for Sri Lankan families. c. Sri Lanka becomes a poor country with less people working, government cannot collect much tax from employed people or companies no money for the government to improve the countrys public facilities and services such as education and healthcare Overall SOL in Sri Lanka would remain low.
(c) Political Consequences

a. Continued discrimination of Tamils by Sinhalese led Tamils to form the Tamil Tigers to use violence to end the Sinhalese ill-treatment of the Tamils Armed Conflict Sinhalese were violent, attacked and and killed many Tamils E.g. 1981~1984, there were many incidents of such violence.
b. Tamil Tigers carried out suicide attacks on government buildings and Buddhist temples as retaliation. c. Sinhalese deployed their army to counter the Tamil Tigers and a civil war was started. d. Fighting led to:

Many Sri Lankans losing their lives Over 90,000 deaths for both Tamil and Sinhalese Sri Lankan families destroyed as loved ones were killed Severe emotional damage Infrastructure was also damaged because of the civil war Buildings, power lines, bridges , roads, train stations and street lighting were destroyed by fighting and bombings People live din fear and normal life was disrupted
(d) Political Consequence 2

a. India wanted to help the Tamils in Sri Lanka India violated Sri Lankan airspace by airdropping supplies to the Tamils in Jaffna, without Sri Lankas permission Sri Lanka was unable to stop this Embarrassed b. India forced Sri Lanka to sign peace treaty to allow Indian troops into Sri Lanka as peace-keepers; end the fighting between Sri Lankan army & Tamil Tigers Sri Lanka seemed powerless in the eyes of international community India was able to force Sri Lanka to accept the presence of Indian troops in their territory.
c. However, when the Tamil Tigers failed to fully surrender their weapons, the Indian troops took control of them by force in Jaffna.

d. Foreign intervention: 3-way fighting situation (Sri Lankan army / Tamil Tigers/ Indian peacekeeping force)

e. With a 3rd fighting force, the conflict got worse and more lives were lost. Destruction also increased.

You might also like