The real curse that destroyed Sri Lanka

The National People’s Power (NPP) came to power proclaiming that the curse of Sri Lanka was the politicians who ruled for over 70 years. They blamed corruption, incompetence, and self-serving leaders for the nation’s downfall. But here’s the truth: the real curse wasn’t just bad governance, it was the deeply ingrained ethno-nationalism and disastrous policies that shaped Sri Lanka’s fate. And the worst of them all? The Sinhala Only Act of 1956.

The Sinhala Only Act: a political gimmick with devastating consequences

In 1956, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, desperate to win votes, enacted the Sinhala Only Act, making Sinhala the sole official language of Sri Lanka. At first glance, it seemed like a populist move to empower the Sinhalese majority. But in reality, it was a reckless political stunt that fractured the nation’s social fabric. Tamil professionals, civil servants, and intellectuals who had played a crucial role in governance were suddenly alienated. They faced career dead ends and discrimination, forcing many to leave the country, robbing Sri Lanka of valuable human capital.

The policy didn’t uplift the Sinhalese masses either. It simply replaced a functional administrative system with an inefficient, mono-linguistic bureaucracy that lacked competence and global competitiveness. Bandaranaike, rather than correcting his mistake, doubled down on ethnic politics. His assassination did not undo the damage, if anything, his successors made it worse.

From discrimination to decades of war

Marginalizing Tamils through language policies was just the beginning. Repeated betrayals, riots, and violent crackdowns on peaceful Tamil protests pushed the country toward radicalization. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) emerged as a direct response to decades of state-sponsored discrimination. By the time the conflict escalated into a full-fledged civil war, billions were funneled into a war economy instead of education, infrastructure, or innovation.

For nearly three decades, Sri Lanka burned. While politicians used nationalism to distract from economic mismanagement, people paid the price. Sinhalese youth were sent to the frontlines while Tamils lived in constant fear, caught between the government and an increasingly brutal LTTE. Foreign investment dried up, and Sri Lanka, once considered an economic rival to Singapore, slipped into decades of stagnation.

The economic disaster that followed

By making Sinhala the only official language, Bandaranaike didn’t just alienate Tamils, he crippled Sri Lanka’s ability to engage with the global economy. Other Asian nations embraced English and surged ahead in trade, technology, and business. Sri Lanka, however, clung to outdated nationalist policies that prioritized political loyalty over merit.

Education, once a pillar of Sri Lankan society, took a massive hit. Generations of students were trapped in a system that emphasized ideology over practical skills. As a result, while Singaporean and Indian professionals thrived in the global economy, Sri Lankan graduates struggled to find opportunities beyond government jobs.

The legacy of short-sighted leadership

Bandaranaike didn’t just set Sri Lanka on a path of division, he created a political playbook that his successors eagerly followed. Instead of building an inclusive nation, leaders continued to use racial and religious tensions to win elections. Even after the war ended in 2009, the ethnic divisions remained, and the economy continued its downward trajectory.

While the world moved towards globalization, Sri Lanka doubled down on protectionism and state control. Instead of embracing meritocracy, the government continued to reward political allies and suppress dissent. The result? A country burdened by debt, political instability, and an ever-deepening economic crisis.

The real curse

The real curse of Sri Lanka isn’t just corrupt politicians, it’s the toxic legacy of ethno-nationalism and divisive politics. Every country has corruption, but successful nations prioritize unity, meritocracy, and progress. Sri Lanka, however, was sabotaged from within by leaders who chose power over prosperity.

If Sri Lanka is to rise again, it must reject the ghosts of SWRD. Merit must replace mediocrity. National unity must triumph over racial division. And above all, Sri Lankans must demand leadership that values the future over political survival. Until then, the mistakes of the past will continue to haunt this once-promising land.