The Sinhala Only Act: Its Positive and Negative Arguments and Impact on Sri Lanka's Civil War

Book Review

?The Sinhala Only Act: Its Positive and Negative Arguments and Impact on Sri Lanka's Civil War

Author:

Prof Dr Riyas Sulaima Lebbe

?The Sinhala Only Act of 1956 stands as one of the most defining moments in Sri Lanka's post-colonial history. Introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, the act sought to establish Sinhala as the sole official language of Sri Lanka, replacing English, which had dominated during British colonial rule. The policy, however, had far-reaching consequences, particularly for the Tamil-speaking minority, who saw it as a move that excluded them from full participation in public life and government services.

?At the time, the act was positioned as a means to restore national pride and assert the cultural and linguistic identity of the Sinhalese majority. For the Sinhalese population, who had felt marginalized during British rule, the act was a symbol of self-determination and a rejection of the elitist power structures that favored English speakers. However, for the Tamil minority, it represented a profound marginalization, as they found themselves excluded from government jobs and facing barriers in education and administration.

While the Sinhala Only Act was meant to foster unity and address longstanding grievances of the Sinhalese majority, it had the unintended consequence of deepening ethnic divisions. The act became a flashpoint for political and social unrest, setting the stage for decades of escalating tension between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. The marginalization of Tamils contributed to the rise of Tamil nationalist movements, peaceful protests, and eventually militant separatism, which culminated in the decades-long Sri Lankan Civil War.

?This book provides a comprehensive examination of the Sinhala Only Act—its historical context, the arguments for and against it, and its significant role in shaping Sri Lanka's political and ethnic landscape. By analyzing both the positive and negative perspectives, this study aims to shed light on how language policy became intertwined with national identity, ethnic conflict, and the quest for political power in post-independence Sri Lanka. It is through this lens that we explore the broader implications of the act and how its legacy continues to influence Sri Lanka today, particularly in terms of ethnic relations and efforts toward reconciliation following the civil war.