Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

After independence in 1948, the Sri Lankan government adopted several majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy:

• In 1956, an Act was passed recognising Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil.
• Preferential policies were adopted favouring Sinhala applicants for university admissions and government jobs.
• The constitution directed the state to protect and foster Buddhism.

Consequences for Tamils: These measures increased feelings of alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt denied equal political rights and discriminated against in jobs and education. This led to demands for Tamil as an official language and regional autonomy. Eventually, by the 1980s, demands for a separate Tamil Eelam arose, leading to a civil war that caused thousands of deaths, displacement of families, and severe setback to the country's social and economic life.

Source: Power Sharing, Chapter 1

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This is a standard 3-mark question combining cause (government policies) and effect (consequences). Examiners expect:

1. At least 2–3 specific majoritarian measures (1956 Act, job preferences, Buddhism clause).
2. Clear consequences — alienation, civil war, refugees.

Avoid writing vague statements like "they were treated badly." Use textbook terms: alienation, civil war, Tamil Eelam.