In 1956, an Act was passed recognising Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil. This made Sri Lankan Tamils feel that the government denied them equal political rights and discriminated against them in jobs and educational opportunities. They felt none of the major parties was sensitive to their language and culture.
Source: Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka, Chapter 1
---
The examiner wants you to identify the specific 1956 event (the Sinhala-only Act) and link it directly to Tamil alienation. Two points are needed for 2 marks: (1) the Act making Sinhala the sole official language, and (2) the resulting feeling among Tamils of discrimination/denial of rights. Avoid writing about later events like the civil war — stay focused on 1956.