**Background Information:**
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948. At the time, English was recognized as the official language, and it continued to be widely used in education, administration, and legal proceedings.

**The Official Language Act of 1956:**
In 1956, the Official Language Act, also known as the Sinhala Only Act, was passed in Sri Lanka. This act recognized Sinhala as the only official language of the country, replacing English. The act was primarily driven by nationalist sentiments and aimed to elevate the status of the Sinhala language and the majority Sinhalese community.

**Key Factors:**
Several factors contributed to the passage of the Official Language Act in 1956:

1. Nationalism and Identity: The act was driven by nationalist sentiments and a desire to promote the Sinhala language as a symbol of the country's identity. It was seen as a way to assert the dominance of the Sinhalese community.

2. Ethnic Divide: Sri Lanka has a diverse population, with the Sinhalese community comprising the majority and the Tamil community being the largest minority. The act further deepened the ethnic divide by marginalizing the Tamil language and community.

3. Political Motivations: The passage of the act was also politically motivated, with politicians from the majority Sinhalese community using language as a tool to gain support and consolidate their power.

**Implications and Controversies:**
The Official Language Act had significant implications for Sri Lankan society:

1. Marginalization of Tamils: The act marginalized the Tamil language and community, leading to increased tensions and disparities between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. It further fueled ethnic tensions and grievances that eventually escalated into a decades-long civil war.

2. Discrimination and Language Barriers: The act also resulted in discrimination against Tamils in various spheres, such as employment, education, and access to government services. Language barriers hindered the participation and advancement of Tamils, leading to a sense of alienation and inequality.

3. Repeal and Language Reconciliation: In subsequent years, there were efforts to promote language reconciliation and address the grievances of the Tamil community. The 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution in 1987 recognized both Sinhala and Tamil as official languages, aiming to promote equality and inclusivity.

**Conclusion:**
In 1956, the Official Language Act recognized Sinhala as the only official language of Sri Lanka, replacing English. This act had far-reaching implications for the country's linguistic and ethnic dynamics, deepening the divide between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. The act was driven by nationalist sentiments, political motivations, and a desire to elevate the status of the Sinhala language and community. However, it also resulted in marginalization, discrimination, and inequalities for the Tamil community.