‘Majoritarianism’ is a concept which signifies a belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants. In this type of rule they disregard the wishes and needs of the minority.
The majoritarian concept has increased the strong feelings of alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils because of the series of majoritarian measures adopted by the democratically elected government in Sri Lanka.
A series of majoritarian measures were adopted by the democratically elected government in Sri Lanka after its independence in 1948 to establish Sinhala Supremacy.
(i) In 1956 an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language thus disregarding Tamil.
(ii) The Government followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(iii) A new constitution advocated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.