Instances of Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

Introduction:
Majoritarianism can be defined as a political ideology which asserts that the majority community of a country should hold the power to make decisions for the whole nation, regardless of the needs and desires of minority communities. Sri Lanka is an example of a country where majoritarianism has been imposed in various ways, leading to conflict and violence.

Exclusion of Tamil Language:
One of the most prominent examples of majoritarianism in Sri Lanka is the exclusion of the Tamil language from official use. Despite the fact that Tamil is the mother tongue of approximately 20% of the population, it was not recognized as an official language until 1987. Even today, Tamils are often discriminated against in government offices and other official settings due to their inability to speak Sinhalese, which is the official language of the country.

Discrimination against Tamils:
The Sri Lankan government has also been accused of discriminating against Tamils in other ways, such as limiting their access to education and employment opportunities. Tamils have been denied access to higher education and government jobs, and have been forced to work in low-paying jobs in the private sector.

Violence against Tamils:
Perhaps the most extreme example of majoritarianism in Sri Lanka is the violence that has been perpetrated against Tamils by the government and Sinhalese majority. The most notorious example is the Sri Lankan Civil War, which lasted from 1983 to 2009 and resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, mostly Tamils. The government was accused of committing war crimes and human rights abuses, including torture, rape, and extrajudicial killings.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, majoritarianism has been imposed in Sri Lanka in various ways, leading to discrimination, violence, and conflict. While some progress has been made in recent years towards reconciliation and peacebuilding, there is still a long way to go before minority communities in Sri Lanka are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

In 1956 an act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the official language.
Government followed preferential policy which favoured Sinhala applicants for jobs and admissions.
Their constitution state that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.