Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka-Myths and Facts

September 24, 1983 Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka Myths and Facts (By a Special Correspondent) WHEN Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) became an independent country on February 4, 1948, it was relatively a peaceful country in contrast to the orgy and violence that accompanied the birth of its northern neighbours, India and Pakistan, D S Senanayake, the first Prime Minister, was not only the leader of the majority Sinhalese community, he had also the tacit support of the minority groups. Many political commentators felt that the country was well on the way to attaining political stability and the major ethnic groups would set integrated into one nation.