Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka

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Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka

The Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka are a distinct ethnic group of Tamil people who are descendants of workers brought to Sri Lanka from India by the British during the colonial period to work on tea plantations. They are also known as Hill Country Tamils, Up-Country Tamils, or Malayaga Tamils.

History

The migration of Indian Tamils to Sri Lanka began in the 19th century when the British colonial administration brought them from the Madras Presidency in British India to work in the tea, coffee, and rubber plantations in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This migration continued until the mid-20th century.

Demographics

Indian Tamils primarily reside in the Central Province and Uva Province of Sri Lanka. They form a significant portion of the population in these regions and are predominantly employed in the plantation sector.

Culture

The Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka have preserved their distinct cultural identity, which includes their own dialect of Tamil, religious practices, and festivals. They predominantly practice Hinduism, with a minority adhering to Christianity.

Citizenship and Political Status

Initially, Indian Tamils were denied citizenship by the Ceylon Citizenship Act of 1948 and the Indian and Pakistani Residents (Citizenship) Act of 1949. This led to a stateless status for many Indian Tamils. However, subsequent agreements between India and Sri Lanka, such as the Sirima-Shastri Pact and the Sirima-Gandhi Pact, and later legislative changes, have granted citizenship to a significant number of Indian Tamils.

Economy

The Indian Tamils have historically been associated with the plantation economy of Sri Lanka. They have played a crucial role in the development of the country's tea industry, which remains a major export commodity. Despite their contributions, they have faced economic hardships and have been among the most disadvantaged communities in Sri Lanka.

Education

Access to education has been a significant issue for the Indian Tamil community. Efforts have been made to improve educational facilities and opportunities in the plantation areas, but challenges remain.

Related Pages

• Sri Lankan Tamils
• Tea production in Sri Lanka
• Plantation economy
• Ceylon Citizenship Act
• Sirima-Shastri Pact
• Sirima-Gandhi Pact