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Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, has a rich tapestry of ethnic diversity that has evolved significantly over the years. According to the 2012 census, the country’s population stood at approximately 20.3 million, with a more recent estimate placing it at 22 million in 2022. This positions Sri Lanka as the 60th most populous country in the world, with an annual population growth rate of 0.61%. The Sinhalese constitute the majority, accounting for 74.9% of the population, while other significant ethnic groups include Sri Lankan Tamils, Moors, and Indian Tamils. Smaller communities, such as the Burghers, Malays, Vedda, Chinese, and Indians, contribute to the nation’s multicultural identity. This analysis delves into the dynamics of ethnic decline and growth in Sri Lanka from 1881 to 2012.
Population of Sri Lanka from 1881 to 2012
After 1901, the population of Sri Lankan Tamils began to decline for reasons that are not entirely clear. In 1911, a new ethnic group known as Indian Tamils emerged in Sri Lanka. They were brought over by the British to work on upcountry plantations Their arrival significantly changed the demographic landscape, making Indian Tamils the second-largest ethnic group in the country and pushing Sri Lankan Tamils from second to third place.
However, various agreements between India and Sri Lanka resulted in the repatriation of many Indian Tamils back to India, leading to a decrease in their population in Sri Lanka. As a result, Indian Tamils are now the fourth-largest ethnic group in the country.
Since 1963, the population of Moors in Sri Lanka has seen a remarkable increase. One possible explanation for this growth is the assimilation of Indian Moors into the local Moor community. Furthermore, the influx of new immigrants from India may have contributed to this demographic shift.
The Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora is estimated to include approximately 887,000 individuals, a significant demographic shift primarily driven by the civil war in Sri Lanka. This conflict has profoundly affected the population dynamics of Sri Lankan Tamils on the island.
Population percentage from 1881 to 2012
Analyzing population data from both numerical and percentage viewpoints unveils distinct insights into ethnic demographics. This percentage analysis offers a unique perspective on the ethnic demographics:
After 1963, Indian Moors were integrated into the broader category of Sri Lankan Moors / Moors, marking a significant shift in their classification as a separate ethnic group. In contrast, this unification did not extend to other ethnic groups, particularly in Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils. Despite sharing similarities in language, religion, culture, and other aspects, Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils have maintained distinct ethnic identities.
The population of Sri Lankan Malays has remained stable, with no significant decline. In contrast, the Burgher community has seen a marked decrease, particularly in the years following Sri Lanka’s independence and as a consequence of the civil war. The Vedda ethnic group has also experienced a decline, largely due to their integration into Sinhala and Tamil communities. Additionally, various other minority groups have faced reductions in their populations, influenced by the civil war and their assimilation into larger communities.
A significant enigma persists regarding the dramatic decrease in the Sri Lankan Tamil population after 1901. The 1901 Census recorded 951,700 Sri Lankan Tamils, accounting for 26.69% of the total population. However, by the 1911 Census, this figure had dropped to 528,000, representing only 12.86%. This sharp decline raises a critical question: what caused such a substantial loss in just a decade? Understanding the factors behind this decline is essential for grasping the historical trajectory of Sri Lankan Tamils during British rule.
