What historical factors contributed to the emergence of Tamil separatism in Sri Lanka?
The emergence of Tamil separatism in Sri Lanka is rooted in a complex interplay of historical, social, and political factors:
1. **Colonial Legacy**: British colonial administration (1815-1948) played a significant role in shaping ethnic identities. The British favoured Tamils for administrative roles, leading to a perception of preferential treatment that sowed seeds of division between the Sinhalese and Tamils.
2. **Post-Independence Policies**: After Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, the new government implemented policies that prioritised the Sinhalese majority, such as the “Sinhala Only Act” of 1956, which made Sinhala the sole official language, marginalising Tamil speakers in education and government.
3. **Disenfranchisement of Tamils**: Laws like the 1948 Ceylon Citizenship Act disenfranchised many Tamils of Indian origin, leading to widespread resentment and feelings of exclusion from the national identity.
4. **Ethnic Riots and Violence**: Tensions escalated into violence, notably during the 1958 riots and the anti-Tamil riots of 1983, which highlighted the vulnerability of Tamils and fuelled a desire for self-determination and protection.
5. **Formation of Political Movements**: The failure of moderate political approaches to address Tamil grievances led to the formation of more radical groups, including the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam), advocating for a separate Tamil Eelam state.
6. **Cultural and Educational Marginalisation**: Tamils felt their cultural and educational rights were being undermined, with limited access to higher education and job opportunities, which further galvanised support for separatism.
7. **Civil War and Militarisation**: The civil war (1983-2009) transformed the separatist struggle into a protracted armed conflict, solidifying Tamil identity around the cause of independence and deepening animosities.
These historical factors created a backdrop of mistrust and grievance, leading to the rise of Tamil separatism as a response to perceived injustices and a quest for self-determination.
