What were some key events that escalated tensions between the Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka?
Several key events have significantly escalated tensions between the Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka, contributing to the long-standing conflict:
1. **Sinhala Only Act (1956)**: This legislation made Sinhala the sole official language of Sri Lanka, effectively marginalising Tamil speakers in government and education. It ignited widespread protests among Tamils and is often seen as a turning point in ethnic relations.
2. **Anti-Tamil Riots (1958)**: The first major outbreak of violence occurred when Sinhalese mobs attacked Tamil neighbourhoods in response to perceived grievances. This marked the beginning of a cycle of violence and retaliation between the communities.
3. **Disenfranchisement of Indian Tamils (1948)**: The Ceylon Citizenship Act stripped many Tamils of Indian origin of their citizenship and voting rights, leading to feelings of betrayal and exclusion among the Tamil community.
4. **Anti-Tamil Riots (1977)**: Following the 1977 elections, Sinhalese extremists attacked Tamils, resulting in significant violence and loss of life. This further deepened the divide and solidified support for Tamil nationalist movements.
5. **Black July (1983)**: A pivotal event where anti-Tamil riots erupted in Colombo, leading to the deaths of thousands of Tamils, widespread destruction of property, and mass displacement. This event is often seen as a catalyst for the escalation of the civil war.
6. **Formation of the LTTE (1976)**: The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam emerged as a militant group advocating for an independent Tamil Eelam. Their activities intensified the conflict, leading to a protracted civil war.
7. **The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord**: This agreement aimed to resolve the conflict by granting autonomy to Tamils, but its implementation faced resistance from both the Sri Lankan government and Tamil groups, leading to further tensions.
8. **Civil War (1983-2009)**: The protracted conflict saw numerous battles, human rights violations, and a humanitarian crisis. The war officially ended in 2009, but the underlying issues remained unresolved, perpetuating ethnic tensions.
These events, among others, contributed to a deep-rooted animosity and division between the Sinhalese and Tamils, shaping the trajectory of Sri Lanka’s social and political landscape.
