Conflict in Multi-Ethnic Societies: Lesson 1 of 4 In this lesson, we were introduced to the occurrence of conflict within mutli-ethnic societies in many parts of the world. We then studied the history of Sri Lanka to get some idea of the events that led up to the decades-long civil war that would ravage the country in the years to come.

1. Case Studies:
Sri Lanka
&
Northern Ireland

2.  A welcome break from Singapore’s policies
 Two case studies of conflict in multi-ethnic societies:
Sri Lanka
&
Northern Ireland
 We will study:
• Causes of the conflict
• Consequences of the conflict
• Lessons to be learnt from both conflicts

3. Identify the challenges faced by multi-
ethnic societies
Explain how conflicts develop within M-E
societies and cause negative
consequences
Suggest ways that such conflicts can be
avoided

5. Understand the background of ethnic
conflict in Sri Lanka
Identify the 4 major factors leading to
ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka
Explain how these factors led to
unhappiness

6. Two ethnic groups in Sri Lanka:
• Sinhalese (majority)
• Tamils (minority)
 Sri Lankan Tamils & Indian Tamils
Sri Lanka was a British colony known as
Ceylon
British colonial govt favoured the Tamil
minority

8. The conflict in Sri Lanka didn’t just
happen out of nowhere…
1. Citizenship Rights
2. ‘Sinhala Only’ Policy
3. University Admission Criteria
4. Resettlement
These factors led to increasing resentment
between the Sinhalese and Tamils

10. 1. Citizenship Rights
• Ceylon Official Citizenship Act (1948)
• Indian Tamils were not given Sri Lankan
citizenship
• Many became stateless
2. ‘Sinhala Only’ Policy
• Official language changed from English to
Sinhala
• Tamils had to learn Sinhala in 3 years
• Those who did not were dismissed from
government service

11. 3. University Admission Criteria
• Tamils had to score higher marks than Sinhalese
to enter the same course
• Fixed number of places reserved for Sinhalese
• Still carries on today
4. Resettlement
• Govt moved poor Sinhalese peasants into Tamil
areas
• Peasants were accompanied by Buddhist monks
and the Sri Lankan army

12. How do you think the Tamils felt?