Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Arwi language, a combination of Tamil and Arabic that evolved among Sri Lankan Moors, is at
its peak, with the publication of several important religious works.
1919
Following the British arrest in 1915 of Sinhalese leaders for minor offences, the Ceylon National
Congress unifies Sinhalese and Tamil groups to further nationalist and pro-independence goals.
1931
A new constitution introduces power sharing with a Sinhalese-run government. Universal suf-
frage is introduced as the country is the first Asian colony to give women the right to vote.
1948
Ceylon becomes an independent member of the Commonwealth six months after neighbouring
India. The United National Party (UNP) consolidates power by depriving Plantation Tamils of cit-
izenship.
1956
The Sri Lankan Freedom party (SLFP) defeats the UNP on a socialist and nationalist platform.
Protests, ethnic riots and conflict break out after a 'Sinhala only' language law is passed.
1958
The country sees its first island-wide anti-Tamil riot. It lasts for days, leaves more than 200
people dead in violent attacks (and some revenge attacks) and displaces thousands of Tamils.
1959
Despite coming to power in 1956 with a Sinhalese-nationalist manifesto, SWRD Bandaranaike be-
gins negotiating with Tamil leaders for a federation, resulting in his assassination by a Buddhist
monk.
1959
