Nation Building and Early Social, Political and Economic Developments
- After independence, Sri Lanka focused on consolidating democracy, expanding welfare policies and building national identity, while facing deepening ethnic inequality.
- The new state adopted a Westminster-style democracy with regular elections and strong political parties.
- Early governments invested heavily in education, healthcare and food subsidies, creating a broad welfare state.
- Economic development lagged due to dependence on tea, rubber and coconut exports.
- Political parties increasingly appealed to ethnic identity, shaping national debates.
- Tensions grew between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority over language rights, jobs and university access.
Sinhala Only Act (1956)
Origins and Intent
- The government made Sinhala the sole official language, replacing English and excluding Tamil speakers.
- The policy aimed to empower Sinhalese voters who felt disadvantaged under colonial legacy.
- Tamil political leaders protested, demanding parity between Sinhala and Tamil.
- The law symbolized a shift toward majoritarian nationalism.
- Education and government employment became harder for Tamil speakers.
Impact and Consequences
- The act deepened ethnic divides and strengthened Tamil political mobilization.
- Peaceful protests by Tamil parties were met with violence, worsening mistrust.
- Language became the central issue of ethnic identity and grievance.
- Later policies attempted partial accommodation, but resentment persisted.
- The act laid the foundation for future separatist politics and armed conflict.
Definition
Majoritarianism
Political dominance by the ethnic majority at the expense of minorities.
Definition
Official language policy
Government decision defining the language(s) used for administration and law.
Political Upheaval, Economic Struggles and the 1971 Uprising
- The first major internal rebellion, driven by youth frustrations and economic stagnation, challenged the government’s authority.
- Economic growth slowed in the 1960s, increasing unemployment among educated youth.
- Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first female prime minister, introduced socialist policies and nationalization.
- Her government emphasized non-alignment, closer ties with China and state intervention in the economy.
- Many young people felt excluded from political and economic opportunities.
