The first UNP years

When the problem of the Indian Tamils was discussed at the time of independence, it was suggested that they be granted citizenship and educated in Sinhalese. A Sinhalese Civil Servant of the period rejected this on the grounds that the Indian Tamils were so industrious that they would soon dominate the Sinhalese from within. The legend had been swallowed wholesale, and the man clearly had no idea of the kind of assimilation that had been going on for a millennium and more. Perhaps he would not have been capable of appreciating that new groups, which exercised influence amongst their peers after they had learned Sinhalese, would do so virtually as Sinhalese themselves. It was in that way that, far from being dominated by immigrant groups with different identities, the Sinhalese had over the centuries absorbed new blood that enabled them to develop, and to preserve traditions that were constantly being renewed and rejuvenated.

But at the time of independence the Sinhalese language was a sort of relic, to be carefully conserved but scarcely ever used. The bureaucrat belonged to the old aristocracy that functioned best in English and never questioned the fact. Interestingly enough it was someone from the same sort of background who initiated the revolution. But, as is usual in such instances, charismatic as the individual was, his influence was immense precisely because he responded to real public need.