What were the main political organisations formed in response to the Sinhala Only Act of 1956?
In response to the Sinhala Only Act of 1956, several political organisations emerged that aimed to advocate for Tamil rights, cultural identity, and political representation. Here’s a detailed overview of the main political organisations formed during this period:
### 1. **Federal Party (FP)**
– **Foundation:** Established in 1949, but gained prominence post-1956.
– **Objectives:** Advocated for a federal structure in Sri Lanka to ensure autonomy for the Tamil regions and protect Tamil language and culture.
– **Leadership:** Key figures included S.J.V. Chelvanayakam, who became a prominent voice for Tamil rights.
### 2. **Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF)**
– **Formation:** Created in 1976 as a coalition of various Tamil political parties, including the Federal Party.
– **Goals:** Sought an independent Tamil Eelam (state) and focused on highlighting Tamil grievances at a national level.
– **Significance:** TULF became a major political force advocating for Tamil self-determination.
### 3. **All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC)**
– **Background:** Founded in 1944, it aimed to represent Tamil interests in the national political landscape.
– **Focus:** Advocated for civil rights, language rights, and political representation for Tamils within a united Sri Lanka.
– **Leadership:** Figures like G.G. Ponnambalam were instrumental in its formation and leadership.
### 4. **Eelam Revolutionary Organisation of Students (EROS)**
– **Formation:** Established in the early 1980s, initially as a student organisation.
– **Objectives:** Focused on advocating for Tamil rights and self-determination, eventually evolving into a militant group.
– **Activities:** Engaged in both political activism and armed struggle.
### 5. **Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)**
– **Establishment:** Formed in 1976, it emerged from the growing frustrations within the Tamil community regarding political representation.
– **Militant Focus:** While initially politically oriented, it transformed into a militant organisation fighting for an independent Tamil Eelam.
– **Significance:** The LTTE became the most prominent and controversial Tamil organisation, involved in a prolonged civil conflict.
### 6. **Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO)**
– **Formation:** Established in the late 1970s.
– **Goals:** Similar to the LTTE, it sought an independent Tamil Eelam and was involved in militant activities.
– **Role:** Played a significant part in the Tamil armed struggle during the civil war.
### 7. **People’s Liberation Front (PLF)**
– **Background:** A lesser-known group that also emerged during this period, focusing on Tamil rights and social justice.
– **Focus:** It aimed to address issues related to both class and ethnicity within the Tamil community.
### Conclusion
The Sinhala Only Act of 1956 served as a catalyst for the formation of numerous political organisations that sought to address the grievances of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. These organisations played critical roles in shaping Tamil political activism, advocating for rights and representation, and eventually contributing to the complex dynamics of the Sri Lankan civil conflict.
