This article intends to examine the root causes of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, and methods that can be used to resolve it. For 40 years, in Sri Lanka, the ethnic conflict became an aggravating issue because of their diversity. It means Sri Lankan society has consisted of various kinds of cultures, religions, ethnicities, races, and languages. This article will determine the nature of the ethnic conflict and what we can do to prevent this type of conflict. Although in 2009, the civil war had been ended by Sri Lankan Government, there is no efficient reconciliation process among the Sri Lankans. As a result of that situation, from time to time, ethnic conflicts have arisen. On the other hand, it became commodious destruction to the development process of Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study helps to conceive the gravity of this ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. What is the meaning of ethnic conflict?
3. Types of Ethnic Conflict
4. Nature of Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka
5. Root causes of Sri Lankan Ethnic Conflict
6. Resolving methods of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka
7. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
This study aims to examine the fundamental nature of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, identifying its root causes—ranging from historical colonial policies to post-independence political, linguistic, and educational marginalization—and exploring potential methods for conflict resolution and national reconciliation.
- Theoretical definitions and types of ethnic conflict
- Socio-political impact of colonial-era communal representation
- Consequences of language and education policies on inter-ethnic relations
- The influence of national identity, religion, and land issues on conflict emergence
- Evaluation of post-conflict reconciliation efforts and future resolution strategies
Excerpt from the Book
5. Root causes of Sri Lankan Ethnic Conflict
To a certain extent, the emergence of ethnic politics can be understood in the context of colonialism in general and some colonial practices and policies in particular. Ethnic politics however was not manifest until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From the very beginning of a colonial rule, the British introduced an extremely divisive and parochial form of limited representation based on caste, ethnicity, and religion. This kind of communal ‟ representation in a systemic sense was retained until 1931. Nevertheless, as a tradition, this system has in many ways survived to date and is the precursor of the current ethnic conflict.
Sri Lanka has a clear tradition of ethnic and religious conflict in the late 19th century and throughout the 20th century in times of socio-economic and political stress. In most instances, the violence was unleashed upon ethnic or religious minorities by members of the Sinhala majority.
The Kotahena riots in Colombo in 1883 were the culmination of Buddhist – Catholic distrust which had evolved. The riot itself occurred due to the violation of what was perceived by local Catholics as sacred space. A Buddhist procession winding its way past a Catholic church was the immediate cause for the violence of 1883.
The anti-Muslim violence of 1915 was the result of trade rivalries between Muslim and Sinhala traders, even though a specific incident of violating sacred space was once again the immediate cause that sparked off the island-wide violence.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the necessity of respecting diversity in a heterogeneous world and introduces the scope of the study regarding ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
2. What is the meaning of ethnic conflict?: Defines conflict as a clash between incompatible goals and distinguishes ethnic conflict as a specific form involving identity-based group distinctions.
3. Types of Ethnic Conflict: Differentiates between violent and nonviolent conflict, providing examples of how these manifest in political and social contexts.
4. Nature of Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka: Analyzes the multicultural landscape of Sri Lanka and how colonial policies shaped inter-ethnic relations and institutional representation.
5. Root causes of Sri Lankan Ethnic Conflict: Details the historical triggers, including colonial divide-and-rule tactics, the Sinhala Only Act, education policies, and land issues.
6. Resolving methods of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka: Reviews past and contemporary mechanisms for reconciliation, including political reforms and the establishment of commissions.
7. Conclusion: Summarizes the study's findings, emphasizing that ethnic conflict is a complex, 20th-century phenomenon rooted in history and requiring systemic, inclusive change.
Keywords
Ethnic conflict, Sri Lanka, Root causes, Resolving methods, Multiculturalism, Colonialism, Sinhala Only Act, Tamil minority, Education policy, National reconciliation, Peacebuilding, Identity politics, Civil war, Devolution, Social stratification
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The work investigates the underlying root causes of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and evaluates various methods utilized or proposed for its resolution.
Which thematic fields are central to the analysis?
The research centers on political history, the impact of colonial policies on ethnic divisions, language policy, educational reforms, and post-war reconciliation processes.
What is the core objective of the study?
The primary objective is to understand how the ethnic landscape in Sri Lanka shifted from historical coexistence to long-term conflict and what steps can lead to sustainable harmony.
Which scientific method is applied in this paper?
The paper employs a historical-analytical approach, drawing upon existing academic literature, census reports, government pacts, and political analysis to trace the development of the conflict.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body examines the definitions of conflict, the specific nature of Sri Lankan ethnic diversity, the influence of colonial administrative policies, and the resulting socioeconomic inequalities in language, education, and land use.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include ethnic conflict, Sri Lanka, root causes, language policy, education reform, national reconciliation, and colonial history.
How did colonial policies specifically contribute to the conflict?
The text argues that the British administration utilized a system of communal representation based on ethnicity and religion, which created divisive, parochial political structures that persist as a precursor to modern conflict.
How did the "Sinhala Only Act" impact the Tamil population?
The Act marginalized the Tamil minority by restricting their access to employment, education, and administrative positions, effectively acting as a catalyst for separatist mobilization and ethnic tension.
What role does Buddhism play in the context of the described ethnic conflicts?
The document discusses how the "foremost place" given to Buddhism in the constitution and the ideology of 'Sihadipa' and 'Dhammadipa' created a narrative of majority domination that contributed to the subordination of minorities.
What is the significance of the post-2009 period in the study?
The study highlights that while the civil war officially ended in 2009, the lack of an efficient reconciliation process has prevented genuine harmony, leading to ongoing ethnic and religious tensions.
- Quote paper
- Sakunthala Jayamaha (Author), 2021, The Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka. The Root Causes of Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka and How to Resolve It, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1164560
