Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
Sri Lanka, a country with rich cultural and religious diversity, continues to struggle with discrimination and violence against its minority groups. Tamils, Muslims, and Christians frequently report harassment, exclusion, and targeted attacks. 

Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, systemic discrimination and weak accountability mechanisms perpetuate inequality. This environment has left minorities vulnerable, undermining national reconciliation and democratic progress. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Ethnic and religious discrimination in Sri Lanka has deep historical roots. Following independence in 1948, policies favouring the Sinhalese majority — such as the Sinhala Only Act — marginalised Tamils and other minorities. These grievances contributed to decades of conflict, culminating in the civil war (1983–2009). 

Although the war ended with the defeat of the LTTE, the Tamil population continues to face militarisation and surveillance in the north and east. Muslims and Christians have also faced growing hostility, with extremist rhetoric and sporadic violence targeting their communities. 

Page 3 — Forms of Discrimination and Violence 
Minority groups in Sri Lanka experience discrimination in multiple ways: 

- Militarisation: Tamil-majority areas remain heavily controlled by security forces. 
- Land seizures: Minority communities lose ancestral lands to state projects or military use. 
- Religious intolerance: Attacks on mosques and churches have increased in recent years. 
- Employment and education bias: Discrimination limits access to jobs and resources. 
- Harassment: Activists and community leaders face surveillance and intimidation. 

These patterns create cycles of fear and marginalisation. 

Page 4 — Consequences for Citizens and Society 
For minorities, discrimination and violence mean poverty, displacement, and insecurity. Families often migrate abroad to find safety and opportunity. Those who remain are left with limited access to justice, education, and healthcare. 

For Sri Lanka, failure to protect minorities weakens democracy and reconciliation. Continued hostility erodes trust between communities and risks reigniting tensions. Internationally, Sri Lanka faces ongoing scrutiny from rights organisations and pressure from the UN to address abuses. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Protecting minority groups is essential for Sri Lanka’s long-term stability and unity. 

Key steps include: 
- Legal reforms: strengthen protections against discrimination and hate crimes. 
- Demilitarisation: reduce military presence in Tamil-majority areas. 
- Accountability: investigate and prosecute perpetrators of violence. 
- Interfaith initiatives: promote dialogue and cooperation among communities. 
- International engagement: collaborate with global organisations to support minority rights. 

Until such reforms are undertaken, minority groups in Sri Lanka will continue to face discrimination and violence, leaving the country divided and vulnerable to instability.