Is Sinhalese similar to Bengali?
A genetic distance analysis by Dr Robet Kirk also concluded that the modern Sinhalese are most closely related to the Bengalis. D1S80 allele frequency (A popular allele for genetic fingerprinting) is also similar between the Sinhalese and Bengalis, suggesting the two groups are closely related.
Is Sinhala and Sinhalese the same?
Sinhalese, also known as Sinhala, is the native language of the Sinhala people. Over 16 million Sinhala people live in Sri Lanka, making them the island’s largest ethnic group. Sinhala people can trace their origins from Indians who traveled to Sri Lanka around 540 BC.
What is the difference between Sinhalese and Tamil people?
The Sinhalese people are usually found in the South, central, north central and western parts of Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese have a rich cultural heritage that dates back to ancient times. The Sri Lankan Tamil people (Ceylon Tamils) are a group of people who are native to the island of Sri Lanka (Jayanntha, 2006).
Are Tamils a separate ethnic group in Sri Lanka?
Indian Tamils are classed as a separate ethnic group. The two groups of Tamils located in Sri Lanka are the Sri Lankan Tamils and the Indian Tamils. There also exists a significant population in Sri Lanka who are native speakers of Tamil language and are of Islamic faith.
Who are the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka?
Sinhalese people inhabit Sri Lanka and are the main ethnic group that make up about 74\% of the total population of Sri Lanka. They are also referred to as the Hela, or Sinhala; the word Sinhala, meaning “lion people”.
What are the two main races in Sri Lanka?
Sinhalese and Tamil races are the two predominant demographic divisions in Sri Lankan society. While there is a history of political strife between the two races, the Sri Lankan government defeated Tamil guerrillas in 2009 to stamp out the Tamil secessionist movement.