Examine the factors that have led to ethnic divide in Sri Lanka.

Factors Leading to Ethnic Divide in Sri Lanka:

1. Historical Background:
The ethnic divide in Sri Lanka has deep historical roots, dating back to the British colonial period. The British employed a policy of "divide and rule," creating distinctions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority. This historical legacy laid the groundwork for future ethnic tensions.

2. Language Policy:
Post-independence, language policies exacerbated ethnic divisions. The official recognition of Sinhala as the sole official language in 1956 marginalized the Tamil-speaking population. This led to protests and demands for language rights, contributing to the emergence of Tamil nationalism.

3. Sinhala-Tamil Ethnic Nationalism:
The rise of ethnic nationalism among both Sinhalese and Tamils further deepened the divide. Sinhala nationalism, fueled by concerns about language, culture, and religion, led to policies that marginalized Tamils. Simultaneously, Tamil nationalism sought to assert the distinct identity of the Tamil-speaking population.

4. Discriminatory Policies:
Sri Lanka witnessed discriminatory policies against Tamils in areas such as education, employment, and government representation. The standardization of university admissions disproportionately affected Tamil students, creating grievances and fostering a sense of systemic bias.

5. Citizenship Acts and Ethnic Riots:
The Citizenship Acts of 1948 and 1949, coupled with anti-Tamil riots in 1956, 1958, and 1983, resulted in displacement, loss of lives, and heightened mistrust. The violent events fueled separatist sentiments among Tamils and contributed to the demand for an independent Tamil Eelam.

6. Tamil Insurgency and Civil War:
The failure to address Tamil grievances led to the emergence of militant groups advocating for Tamil rights. The armed conflict, particularly the formation of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), intensified ethnic tensions. The protracted civil war from 1983 to 2009 further deepened the ethnic divide.

7. Economic Disparities:
Economic disparities between regions inhabited by the Sinhalese and Tamils have also played a role in the ethnic divide. Unequal economic development has contributed to feelings of marginalization among certain ethnic groups.

8. Constitutional and Political Issues:
Issues related to the constitution and political power-sharing have been central to the ethnic divide. The failure to provide a satisfactory political solution that addresses the aspirations of both Sinhalese and Tamils has perpetuated ethnic tensions.

9. Post-War Reconciliation Challenges:
Despite the end of the civil war in 2009, achieving post-war reconciliation has proven challenging. Issues related to land rights, resettlement, and addressing the grievances of war-affected populations have hindered efforts to build lasting peace and unity.

10. International Dimensions:
External factors, including the involvement of foreign powers during the civil war, have added complexity to the ethnic divide. The internationalization of the conflict brought in geopolitical considerations that influenced the dynamics between different ethnic groups.

In conclusion, the ethnic divide in Sri Lanka is a complex issue shaped by historical, linguistic, economic, and political factors. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that addresses historical grievances, promotes inclusive policies, and fosters national reconciliation. Achieving lasting peace and unity in Sri Lanka necessitates addressing the root causes of the ethnic divide and fostering an environment where all communities can coexist with dignity and equality.