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The historical backdrop of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka dates back to pre-colonial times. Tamil people, migrating from southeastern India, brought their Hindu traditions to the island, establishing communities that would coexist with the indigenous Sinhalese Buddhists. The arrival of European colonial powers, such as the Portuguese, Dutch, and later the British, further complicated the ethnic landscape. The British, who unified the island under their control in the 19th century, favored Tamils in their administration due to their superior educational access through colonial schools. This favoritism engendered a sense of resentment among the Sinhalese, planting the seeds for future conflict.