Learning from history requires an attitudinal shift at both societal and governmental levels. Recognising the colonial roots of ethnic tensions and discriminatory laws should inspire a commitment to building a more just and equitable Sri Lanka.
On February 4, Sri Lanka commemorates its independence from British colonial rule with grand ceremonies that often include a military parade, the raising of the national flag, vibrant cultural performances and fireworks displays. While these celebrations highlight the political freedom gained in 1948, they also stand in stark contrast to the struggles faced by many Sri Lankans today. Decades after the end of colonial rule, true freedom remains out of reach for those burdened by systemic inequality and a lack of accountability for atrocities and human rights violations. This state of affairs reflects the enduring legacy of British colonial policies, particularly the infamous ‘divide and rule’ strategy, which deepened ethnic divides and set the foundation for the 26-year civil war and persistent socio-economic disparities.
Calls for Action
As Sri Lanka marks this day, we should use this date as a solemn reminder of the unresolved injustices of the past and as an opportunity to call for accountability for the atrocities and human rights violations that persist. Despite some progress in reforming a few colonial laws, many continue to be in effect, and systemic inequalities remain entrenched in Sri Lanka’s institutions.
A Call to Action for the Sri Lankan Government
Transitional justice: Uphold recommendations made by the UN OHCHR Sri Lanka Accountability Project to address wartime human rights abuses and ensure justice for victims.
Human rights protections: Strengthen legal frameworks and urgently revise colonial-era laws to ensure the rights and dignity of all Sri Lankans, particularly marginalised groups.
Institutional change: Ensure greater inclusivity in government institutions to reflect the multi-ethnic and multi-religious nature of Sri Lankan society.
Education and awareness: Ensure school curriculums and government documents provide an unbiased and inclusive account of Sri Lankan history. Make reports of previous commissions of inquiry into forced disappearances and other human rights violations public and widely available, including online.
A Call to Action for the UK Government
The UK, as Sri Lanka’s former colonial ruler, has a moral responsibility to acknowledge the long-term consequences of its colonial policies. The UK must take an active role in supporting justice and accountability for past and present human rights violations in Sri Lanka. Importantly, the UK currently serves as the penholder for Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council playing a crucial role in shaping international responses to accountability and reconciliation efforts. SLC urges the UK government to:
Support accountability mechanisms: Continue to support the OHCHR Sri Lanka Accountability Project’s collection and preservation of evidence of war crimes and human rights abuses committed during and after the civil war.
Ensure diplomatic pressure: Continue leveraging its position to encourage the Sri Lankan government to fulfil its commitments to transitional justice, including truth-seeking, justice, reparations and institutional reform.
Impose targeted sanctions: Consider sanctions targeted at individuals implicated in serious human rights violations, as part of broader accountability efforts. See our profiles of perpetrators to sanction here.
Raise awareness: Recognise that the legacy of colonial rule gives the UK a particular responsibility to consider its impact on contemporary Sri Lanka and to take an interest in the pursuit of truth and justice.
Colonial Rule and the ‘Divide and Rule’ Strategy
Under British rule (1815-1948), the colonisers brought Tamil labourers from India to Sri Lanka for economic purposes to work on British-owned tea, coffee and rubber plantations. Malaiyaha Tamils (Indian Tamils), who were distinct from the native Sri Lankan Tamils, were employed under harsh conditions and were isolated from the Sinhalese majority. Meanwhile, the British disproportionately favoured the native Tamil population in the Northern and Eastern provinces. Sri Lanka’s diverse communities were governed through a ‘divide and rule’ strategy designed to maintain control by fostering divisions between ethnic groups. This tactic was often used by colonisers so that the majority group that was being discriminated against would direct their grievances towards the minority group instead of the colonisers. In Sri Lanka, the location of more Christian missionaries in the North and East meant that Tamils had more access to an English education, which helped them to gain employment in civil service roles. By the mid-20th century, Tamils held a disproportionate share of government jobs.1 This deliberate favouritism created resentment among the Sinhalese majority, who felt excluded and disadvantaged.
Independence and the Rise of Sinhala-Buddhist Nationalism
With the departure of the British in 1948, Sri Lanka’s new leaders faced the challenge of addressing economic and social imbalances. However, rather than fostering inclusive national unity, post-independence policies often reinforced ethnic divisions. The “Ceylon Citizenship Act” in 1948 made it extremely difficult for Malaiyaha Tamils to obtain citizenship. On August 20 1948, almost 700,000 Malaiyaha Tamils were made stateless by this Act, limiting their access to government jobs and political participation. As births were rarely registered and applicants could not provide the necessary documentation, fewer than 5,000 Malaiyaha Tamils were granted citizenship in 1948 and in later years hundreds of thousands were forcibly repatriated to India.2
In 1956, the “Sinhala Only Act” made Sinhala the only official language, which seemed to be a deliberate attempt to reduce the number of Tamils holding positions in the civil service. Many public servants were dismissed or forced into early retirement when they could not meet the new requirement to speak Sinhala. In opposition to this policy, 12 MPs of the Tamil Federal party initiated a non-violent sit-in protest of around 200 Tamils in front of parliament in Colombo on June 5 1956. Sinhalese mobs attacked the protesters and Tamil passers-by, looting over 150 Tamil-owned shops in Colombo.3 This violence soon expanded, and resulted in a series of anti-Tamil riots, the rise of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the eventual protracted 26-year civil war.
Timeline of Some of the Key Policies and Violence
1948: Citizenship Act disenfranchises Indian Tamils.
1956: Sinhala Only Act passes, exacerbating ethnic tensions.
1972: Sri Lanka adopts a new constitution, reinforcing Buddhist primacy.
1983: Black July pogroms target Tamils, escalating into civil war.
2002: Ceasefire Agreement signed but collapses.
2009: Civil war ends with government victory and a humanitarian disaster..
Colonial Legacy and the Penal Code
The British colonial era also left a significant impact on Sri Lanka’s legal framework, particularly through the introduction of the Victorian era moral standards-the Penal Code in 1883. This code was instrumental in shaping the island’s criminal justice system. Activists and non-profit organisations in Sri Lanka and internationally have been campaigning for reforms in existing laws on abortion, rape, divorce and same-sex relationships for more than a decade, seeking to align them with modern human rights standards. As of 2025, many of these colonial-era laws remain in effect.
Section 306: Criminalises “acts intended to prevent a child from being born alive or to cause its death after birth”, carrying a penalty of up to ten years imprisonment.4
Section 365: Criminalises “carnal intercourse against the order of nature”, a provision historically used to target LGBTQ+ individuals.
Section 365A: Addresses “gross indecency,” further extending the criminalisation of same-sex relations.5
Section 393: Explicitly permits marital rape unless the parties are judicially separated and permits the marital rape of children over 12 years old.6
Proposed Amendments and Governmental Reforms
In 2024, both the former and newly elected governments signalled intentions to reform several laws:
Strengthening Laws Against Sexual Harassment: Amendments were proposed to enhance legal measures against sexual harassment and assault, reflecting a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
Prohibition of Corporal Punishment: The Cabinet approved a bill to prohibit corporal punishment in all forms, indicating a shift towards more progressive disciplinary practices.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s Independence Day is both a celebration of sovereignty and a reminder of the enduring challenges rooted in its colonial past. Deep-seated ethnic tensions, systemic inequalities, and colonial-era laws continue to hinder true freedom and justice. The legacy of British rule set the foundation for decades of conflict and discrimination, making it imperative for both the Sri Lankan and UK governments to take meaningful steps toward accountability and reform.
True independence is not just about self-governance; it is about ensuring that all citizens can live with dignity and equal rights. Acknowledging historical injustices and taking decisive action to address them is the only way forward. As Sri Lanka reflects on its past, it must also commit to shaping a more inclusive and just future—one where independence is not just a symbolic event but a lived reality for all.
DeVotta, N. (2004). Blowback: Linguistic Nationalism, Institutional Decay, and Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka. Stanford University Press. ↩︎
‘Estate Tamil, the Ceylon Citizenship Act of 1948 and Sri Lankan Politic’, by Shastri, Amita, Contemporary South Asia, Vol.8, 1999-1 ↩︎
Emergency’ 58: The Story of Ceylon Race Riots’, by Vittachi, Varindra Tarzie, 1958, Andre Deutsch Press ↩︎
Sri Lanka Independence Day: A Legacy of Colonialism and Ethnic Divides
Learning from history requires an attitudinal shift at both societal and governmental levels. Recognising the colonial roots of ethnic tensions and discriminatory laws should inspire a commitment to building a more just and equitable Sri Lanka.
On February 4, Sri Lanka commemorates its independence from British colonial rule with grand ceremonies that often include a military parade, the raising of the national flag, vibrant cultural performances and fireworks displays. While these celebrations highlight the political freedom gained in 1948, they also stand in stark contrast to the struggles faced by many Sri Lankans today. Decades after the end of colonial rule, true freedom remains out of reach for those burdened by systemic inequality and a lack of accountability for atrocities and human rights violations. This state of affairs reflects the enduring legacy of British colonial policies, particularly the infamous ‘divide and rule’ strategy, which deepened ethnic divides and set the foundation for the 26-year civil war and persistent socio-economic disparities.
Calls for Action
As Sri Lanka marks this day, we should use this date as a solemn reminder of the unresolved injustices of the past and as an opportunity to call for accountability for the atrocities and human rights violations that persist. Despite some progress in reforming a few colonial laws, many continue to be in effect, and systemic inequalities remain entrenched in Sri Lanka’s institutions.
A Call to Action for the Sri Lankan Government
A Call to Action for the UK Government
The UK, as Sri Lanka’s former colonial ruler, has a moral responsibility to acknowledge the long-term consequences of its colonial policies. The UK must take an active role in supporting justice and accountability for past and present human rights violations in Sri Lanka. Importantly, the UK currently serves as the penholder for Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council playing a crucial role in shaping international responses to accountability and reconciliation efforts. SLC urges the UK government to:
Colonial Rule and the ‘Divide and Rule’ Strategy
Under British rule (1815-1948), the colonisers brought Tamil labourers from India to Sri Lanka for economic purposes to work on British-owned tea, coffee and rubber plantations. Malaiyaha Tamils (Indian Tamils), who were distinct from the native Sri Lankan Tamils, were employed under harsh conditions and were isolated from the Sinhalese majority. Meanwhile, the British disproportionately favoured the native Tamil population in the Northern and Eastern provinces. Sri Lanka’s diverse communities were governed through a ‘divide and rule’ strategy designed to maintain control by fostering divisions between ethnic groups. This tactic was often used by colonisers so that the majority group that was being discriminated against would direct their grievances towards the minority group instead of the colonisers. In Sri Lanka, the location of more Christian missionaries in the North and East meant that Tamils had more access to an English education, which helped them to gain employment in civil service roles. By the mid-20th century, Tamils held a disproportionate share of government jobs. 1 This deliberate favouritism created resentment among the Sinhalese majority, who felt excluded and disadvantaged.
Independence and the Rise of Sinhala-Buddhist Nationalism
With the departure of the British in 1948, Sri Lanka’s new leaders faced the challenge of addressing economic and social imbalances. However, rather than fostering inclusive national unity, post-independence policies often reinforced ethnic divisions. The “Ceylon Citizenship Act” in 1948 made it extremely difficult for Malaiyaha Tamils to obtain citizenship. On August 20 1948, almost 700,000 Malaiyaha Tamils were made stateless by this Act, limiting their access to government jobs and political participation. As births were rarely registered and applicants could not provide the necessary documentation, fewer than 5,000 Malaiyaha Tamils were granted citizenship in 1948 and in later years hundreds of thousands were forcibly repatriated to India.2
In 1956, the “Sinhala Only Act” made Sinhala the only official language, which seemed to be a deliberate attempt to reduce the number of Tamils holding positions in the civil service. Many public servants were dismissed or forced into early retirement when they could not meet the new requirement to speak Sinhala. In opposition to this policy, 12 MPs of the Tamil Federal party initiated a non-violent sit-in protest of around 200 Tamils in front of parliament in Colombo on June 5 1956. Sinhalese mobs attacked the protesters and Tamil passers-by, looting over 150 Tamil-owned shops in Colombo.3 This violence soon expanded, and resulted in a series of anti-Tamil riots, the rise of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the eventual protracted 26-year civil war.
Timeline of Some of the Key Policies and Violence
Colonial Legacy and the Penal Code
The British colonial era also left a significant impact on Sri Lanka’s legal framework, particularly through the introduction of the Victorian era moral standards-the Penal Code in 1883. This code was instrumental in shaping the island’s criminal justice system. Activists and non-profit organisations in Sri Lanka and internationally have been campaigning for reforms in existing laws on abortion, rape, divorce and same-sex relationships for more than a decade, seeking to align them with modern human rights standards. As of 2025, many of these colonial-era laws remain in effect.
Proposed Amendments and Governmental Reforms
In 2024, both the former and newly elected governments signalled intentions to reform several laws:
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s Independence Day is both a celebration of sovereignty and a reminder of the enduring challenges rooted in its colonial past. Deep-seated ethnic tensions, systemic inequalities, and colonial-era laws continue to hinder true freedom and justice. The legacy of British rule set the foundation for decades of conflict and discrimination, making it imperative for both the Sri Lankan and UK governments to take meaningful steps toward accountability and reform.
True independence is not just about self-governance; it is about ensuring that all citizens can live with dignity and equal rights. Acknowledging historical injustices and taking decisive action to address them is the only way forward. As Sri Lanka reflects on its past, it must also commit to shaping a more inclusive and just future—one where independence is not just a symbolic event but a lived reality for all.
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