Which neighboring country declared a single official language in 1956, leading to civil unrest?

The correct answer is - Sri Lanka

Key Points

• Sri Lanka
  • In 1956, the government of Sri Lanka passed the Official Language Act, also known as the "Sinhala Only Act."
  • This act declared Sinhala as the sole official language of Sri Lanka.
  • The act marginalized the Tamil-speaking population, leading to significant civil unrest and ethnic tensions.
  • This decision was a key factor in the escalation of the conflict between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority, eventually leading to the Sri Lankan Civil War.

Additional Information

• Historical Context
  • The Official Language Act was introduced by Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike in 1956.
  • It aimed to replace English with Sinhala as the official language, which was seen as a move to strengthen Sinhalese cultural identity.
• Impact on Tamil Population
  • The Tamil-speaking population saw this act as discriminatory, as it limited their access to government jobs and education, which were predominantly conducted in Sinhala.
  • It led to widespread protests and demands for equal status for the Tamil language.
• Long-term Consequences
  • The language policy exacerbated ethnic divisions and set the stage for prolonged ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
  • The civil unrest and ensuing violence contributed to the rise of militant Tamil groups, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
  • The civil war lasted for nearly three decades, ending in 2009.