Assess how the British use divide and Rule policies in Sri Lanka
The British used divide and rule policies in Sri Lanka during their colonial rule as a means of maintaining control and exploiting the country for their own benefit. This tactic involved creating divisions and conflicts among different ethnic and religious groups in order to prevent unity and resistance against colonial rule.
One of the most significant examples of British divide and rule policies in Sri Lanka was their promotion of the ethnic divide between the Sinhalese and Tamils. The British favored the Sinhalese majority in order to counterbalance the influence of the Tamil minority, who were seen as potentially more resistant to colonial rule due to their higher levels of education and political organization. This led to the marginalization of the Tamil community and fuelled ethnic tensions that continue to this day.
Additionally, the British also used divide and rule tactics to maintain control over the local population by exploiting existing caste and class divisions. They co-opted the traditional elite and caste systems, reinforcing inequalities and preventing the emergence of a unified resistance movement against colonial rule.
Overall, the British divide and rule policies in Sri Lanka had long-lasting effects on the country's social and political landscape, contributing to deep-seated ethnic tensions and divisions that continue to shape the country's politics and society.