DIRECTION : Mark the option which is most suitable:Assertion : Sinhal...
The government of Sri Lanka passed an Act in 1956 to recognize Sinhala as only official language of Sri Lanka. The government also formulated preferential policies to favour Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. All this was done to establish supremacy of Sinhala community. Thus the reason justifies the assertion.
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DIRECTION : Mark the option which is most suitable:Assertion : Sinhal...
Assertion: Sinhala was recognized as the only official language of Sri Lanka.
Reason: The government of Sri Lanka wanted to establish the supremacy of the Sinhala community.
Explanation:
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. Here's why:
1. Background Information:
Sri Lanka is a diverse country with multiple ethnic groups, including the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and others. The Sinhalese community is the majority ethnic group, accounting for around 74% of the population, while the Tamil community makes up about 16%.
2. The Official Language:
In 1956, the Official Language Act (also known as the Sinhala Only Act) was implemented in Sri Lanka. This act recognized Sinhala as the only official language of the country, replacing English. This decision had a significant impact on the linguistic and political landscape of Sri Lanka.
3. Supremacy of Sinhala Community:
The Sinhala Only Act was primarily driven by the desire of the Sinhala community's political leaders to establish their supremacy in Sri Lanka. By making Sinhala the sole official language, they aimed to strengthen the position and dominance of the Sinhalese people in various aspects of society, including politics, education, administration, and employment.
4. Impact on Tamil Community:
The recognition of Sinhala as the only official language caused significant challenges for the Tamil community, as Tamil speakers were now marginalized and faced difficulties in accessing government services, education, and employment opportunities. This led to widespread discontent and grievances among the Tamil population.
5. Resulting Tensions and Conflict:
The language policy played a crucial role in exacerbating ethnic tensions and eventually contributing to the Sri Lankan Civil War, which lasted for nearly three decades. The Tamil community, feeling marginalized and discriminated against, demanded equal rights and recognition for their language, leading to conflicts and violence between the two ethnic groups.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the assertion that Sinhala was recognized as the only official language of Sri Lanka is true, and the reason for this decision being the establishment of the supremacy of the Sinhala community is also correct. This language policy had significant consequences for the Tamil community and contributed to the ethnic tensions and conflict in Sri Lanka.
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