Majoritarianism refers to a political system where the majority community holds significant power, often at the expense of minority groups. In Sri Lanka, this concept has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s political landscape, particularly in relation to the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority.

Historical Context

Sri Lanka has a diverse population, with the Sinhalese making up about 75% and the Tamils about 15%. The roots of majoritarianism can be traced back to the colonial period, during which various communities were treated differently. Post-independence in 1948, the Sinhalese-dominated government began implementing policies that favored the majority community.

Key Policies Reflecting Majoritarianism

• Official Language Act (1956): This act made Sinhala the sole official language of Sri Lanka, marginalizing Tamil speakers and creating feelings of exclusion among the Tamil population.
• Education Policies: The government introduced policies that favored Sinhala education, which further alienated Tamil students and communities, leading to reduced opportunities for Tamils in higher education and public service.
• Constitutional Changes: The 1972 Constitution declared Sri Lanka a unitary state, reinforcing the dominance of the Sinhalese language and culture while neglecting the rights and representation of Tamil and other minority communities.

Impact of Majoritarianism

The implications of majoritarian policies have been profound and far-reaching:

• Ethnic Tensions: The systematic marginalization of Tamils fueled resentment and anger, leading to a rise in ethnic tensions and conflict.
• Civil War (1983-2009): Majoritarian policies contributed significantly to the outbreak of a civil war between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization advocating for Tamil rights.
• Displacement and Violence: The civil war resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Tamils and widespread human rights violations, creating a legacy of trauma and distrust between communities.

Responses to Majoritarianism

In response to the challenges posed by majoritarianism, there have been various attempts to address the grievances of the Tamil community:

• Devolution of Power: After the civil war, there have been discussions around decentralizing power to provincial councils to allow for greater local governance and representation of minorities.
• National Reconciliation: Efforts toward reconciliation and addressing the grievances of Tamils have been made, including proposals for constitutional reforms aimed at ensuring equality and rights for all communities.

Contemporary Issues

Despite some initiatives for reform, challenges remain:

• Implementation of Policies: Many proposed changes have not been effectively implemented, leading to continued feelings of alienation among Tamils.
• Political Will: The lack of political will among the Sinhalese majority to fully embrace power-sharing mechanisms continues to pose a barrier to genuine reconciliation.

The legacy of majoritarianism in Sri Lanka serves as a critical lesson in the importance of inclusive governance and the need for power sharing to maintain social harmony in a diverse society.