1971 .E2.80.93 Universities Act Origins of the Sri Lankan civil war

during 1970s university admissions standardized. initiative took place rectify disparities created in university enrollment during colonial rule.

under british, english state language , consequently benefited english speakers. however, majority of sri lankan populace lived outside urban areas , did not belong social elite, , therefore did not enjoy benefits of english-medium education. issue compounded further fact in northern , eastern regions of island, largely tamil speaking populace resided, students had access english-medium education through missionary schools regardless of socio-economic status. created situation large proportion of students enrolled in universities english speaking tamils, particularly in professional courses such medicine , engineering.

the government policy of standardization in essence affirmative action scheme assist geographically disadvantaged students gain tertiary education. benefits enjoyed sinhalese students meant significant fall in number of tamil students within university population.