Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

The Act passed in 1956 and other constitutional provisions created deep conflict between the Sinhala and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka:

1. Official Language Act (1956): Sinhala was recognised as the only official language, completely disregarding Tamil. This made Tamils feel politically and culturally marginalised.

1. Preferential policies: The government favoured Sinhala applicants for university admissions and government jobs, denying Tamils equal opportunities.

1. Constitutional provision: The constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism, hurting the sentiments of Tamil Hindus and other minorities.

1. Feeling of alienation: Tamils felt the government denied them equal political rights and ignored their interests, straining relations between the two communities.

1. Demands and civil war: Tamils launched struggles for recognition of Tamil as an official language and regional autonomy. Their demands were repeatedly denied, leading to demands for a separate Tamil Eelam and eventually a devastating civil war that lasted until 2009.

Source: Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka, Chapter 1

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• Examiners expect you to cover all three types of majoritarian measures — language, jobs/education, and religion — plus the consequences (alienation → civil war).
• Name the 1956 Act specifically and link each measure to its impact on Tamils.
• End with the outcome (civil war, refugees, economic setback) to complete the chain of causation.
• 5 points for a 5-mark question is an ideal structure here.