There are two predominant groups in Sri Lanka, the Sinhalese and the Tamils. The Sinhalese are a predominately Buddhist group, while the Tamils are Hindu. There is much tension between these groups, with each side accusing the other of discrimination. While there are many similarities between these groups, there are also some distinct differences. This article will explore those differences.
What is Sinhalese?
Sinhalese is one of the three official languages of Sri Lanka, along with Tamil and English. It is also one of the oldest spoken languages in the world, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. Today, Sinhalese is spoken by approximately 16 million people, making it one of the most widely-spoken languages in South Asia. The vast majority of Sinhalese speakers live in Sri Lanka, where Sinhalese is the native language of the majority of the population. However, there are also significant numbers of Sinhalese speakers in other countries, including India, Pakistan, and Malaysia.
What is Tamil?
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken mainly in southern India and Sri Lanka, with smaller groups of speakers in Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, South Africa, Myanmar, Guyana, and Réunion. It has official status in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and was the first Indian language to be declared a classical language by the government of India in 2004.
Difference between Sinhalese and Tamils
Sri Lanka is home to two major ethnic groups, the Sinhalese and the Tamils. Though both groups share similar cultural roots, they have developed distinct customs and traditions over the centuries. The Sinhalese are the majority group in Sri Lanka, making up about 75% of the population. They are mostly concentrated in the central and southern regions of the island. The Tamils make up the largest minority group in Sri Lanka, accounting for about 18% of the population. They are primarily found in the northern and eastern regions of the island. The Sinhalese and Tamils speak different languages and follow different religions.
Conclusion
The Sinhalese and Tamil ethnic groups have a long history in Sri Lanka. While they share some similarities, there are also many distinct differences between the two groups. Understanding these differences can help improve relations between the two communities and create a more peaceful society.
