This exploration delves into the multifaceted process of nation-building in Sri Lanka post-1947, touching upon significant social, political, and economic aspects.
Historical Context
Independence and Early Challenges
- Struggle for Independence: Elucidation of the path to independence from British rule in 1948.
- Sirimavo Bandaranaike's Role: Pioneering leadership as the first female Prime Minister globally; her influence on the socio-political fabric of Sri Lanka.
- Formation of Policies: Early policies centred around non-alignment, striving to establish an independent identity on the global stage.
Social Developments and Challenges
Ethnic Composition
- Sinhalese Majority: The dominance of the Sinhalese and the introduction of policies favouring the majority.
- Tamil Minority: Exploration of the Tamil minority's struggle for equal representation and rights.
Education and Social Reform
- Literacy and Education: The government's initiatives to increase literacy rates among the populace and the role of education in promoting social equity.
- Social Services: The development of healthcare systems and welfare schemes aimed at enhancing the quality of life.
Political Developments
Post-Independence Governance
- Bandaranaike's Policies: Analysis of Bandaranaike's socialist-leaning policies, including the nationalisation of key sectors.
- Constitutional Changes: The transformation from a British dominion to an independent republic and the ensuing constitutional amendments.
Ethnic Conflict and Civil War
- Roots of Conflict: Examination of the underlying causes of ethnic tensions and the policies that exacerbated them.
- Civil War: An in-depth look at the civil war's trajectory and its profound effects on the country's political landscape.
Economic Developments and Challenges
Economic Policies
- State-controlled Economy: The implementation and impact of state-controlled economic policies on national growth.
- Liberalisation Efforts: The push towards a more liberal economy and the obstacles faced during this transition.
Agriculture and Industry
- Tea and Rubber Industries: The significance of tea and rubber to the Sri Lankan economy and the fluctuations experienced by these industries.
- Industrialisation: The attempts to diversify the economy through industrialisation and the challenges encountered.
The Conflict between Sinhalese and Tamils
Origins of the Conflict
- Language Policies: The enforcement of Sinhala as the sole official language and its ramifications for the Tamil community.
- Educational Quotas: The disproportionate effect of educational quotas on minorities and its role in fuelling ethnic discord.
The 1971 Uprising
- JVP Insurrection: A detailed account of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) insurrection, its causes, and the state's response.
- Impact on National Security: The repercussions on national security and the subsequent changes in defence and internal security strategies.
The Civil War
- LTTE and the Government: Detailed events and key personalities in the longstanding conflict between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the government.
- International Involvement: The involvement of international actors in the civil war and the various attempts to broker peace.
Key Figures in Nation-building
Sirimavo Bandaranaike
- Political Ideology: An analysis of Bandaranaike's socialist agenda and its enduring effects on the nation's policies.
- Foreign Policy: Her approach to foreign policy, particularly the principle of non-alignment and the balancing act between India and China.
Other Influential Leaders
- Post-Bandaranaike Era: The contributions and policies of leaders following Bandaranaike's tenure and their impact on Sri Lanka's trajectory.
- Policies and Legacies: Evaluating how subsequent leaders have furthered or diverted from the path of nation-building initiated by Bandaranaike.
In summary, the notes should provide a granular view of Sri Lanka's post-independence journey, examining the social, political, and economic trials and milestones that have shaped its course. Through this lens, IB History students can gain a nuanced understanding of nation-building in a post-colonial context, set against the backdrop of regional dynamics and global shifts.
FAQ
In the early years following independence, Sri Lanka grappled with economic challenges that included a lack of industrial development, reliance on a few agricultural commodities for export earnings, and the need to diversify the economy. The government's attempts at nationalising key industries and promoting self-sufficiency led to inefficiencies and a slow rate of economic growth. The global fluctuations in commodity prices, especially for tea and rubber, also adversely affected the economy. Moreover, the emphasis on socialist policies limited foreign investment, constraining economic expansion and innovation.
The language policy, particularly the "Sinhala Only Act" of 1956, was a catalyst for ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. It established Sinhala as the sole official language, disregarding the linguistic rights of the Tamil minority. This policy disenfranchised Tamils, excluding them from public service and educational opportunities, and signalling a state-sponsored promotion of ethnic Sinhalese supremacy. It was perceived by Tamils as a deliberate act of discrimination, which sowed the seeds of resentment and was a significant factor leading to the civil war.
External powers played various roles in Sri Lanka's civil war. India was particularly involved due to its proximity and the presence of a large Tamil population in Tamil Nadu. Initially, India supported the Tamil insurgents by providing training and refuge. However, it later attempted to mediate the conflict through the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, leading to the Indian Peace Keeping Force's deployment in Sri Lanka, which ended unsuccessfully. Other countries, including the United States and China, have provided military aid to the Sri Lankan government, while international agencies have tried to facilitate peace negotiations.
The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord had a profound impact on the nation-building process by attempting to resolve the civil war through diplomatic intervention. It led to the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, which established provincial councils and devolved powers in an effort to address Tamil grievances over political representation and autonomy. However, the accord was met with resistance from both Sinhalese nationalists, who viewed it as an infringement on sovereignty, and Tamil militants, who found it insufficient. The subsequent failure to implement the accord effectively prolonged the civil war and complicated the path towards a unified national identity.
The 1972 Constitution marked Sri Lanka's transition from a dominion to a republic, significantly impacting nation-building. It reinforced the dominance of the Sinhalese by making Buddhism the foremost religion, further alienating the Tamil minority and intensifying ethnic tensions. This constitution also abolished the Senate and established a unicameral legislature, concentrating power in the hands of the majority. The centralisation of authority under the republic and the symbolic steps taken to solidify Sinhalese and Buddhist prevalence in the state apparatus had profound implications for the country's national identity and unity.
Practice Questions
Sirimavo Bandaranaike's role was pivotal; as the world's first female prime minister, she implemented socialist policies that transformed the country's economic and political landscape. Her advocacy for the Sinhala Only Act, while strengthening national identity among the Sinhalese, inadvertently deepened ethnic divides, contributing to long-term conflict. Bandaranaike's foreign policy upheld non-alignment, fostering international relations that positioned Sri Lanka as a sovereign entity in global affairs. Her leadership was marked by a blend of progressive and controversial decisions, deeply influencing Sri Lanka's nation-building endeavours.
The Sinhalese-Tamil conflict drastically altered Sri Lanka's social fabric, embedding ethnic tensions into daily life and politics. Government policies favouring the Sinhalese majority, like the Sinhala Only Act, marginalised Tamils, exacerbating grievances and fuelling a sense of injustice. The resultant civil war caused significant social disruption, leading to loss of life, displacement, and a breakdown of interethnic relations. The pervasive fear and mistrust sowed by decades of conflict have hindered reconciliation efforts and the creation of a cohesive national identity, underscoring the profound impact of ethnic strife on the country's social unity.
