By A study published in the journal iScience has found that Sri Lanka’s two largest ethnic groups, the Sinhalese and the Sri Lankan Tamils, are genetically more similar to each other than any other South Asian population group.
The study, which was conducted by Indian and Sri Lankan DNA scientists, found that the two groups share a common genetic ancestry that dates back to their migration to Sri Lanka from India around 2,500 years ago.
The researchers also found that there was a significant gene flow between the two groups over the centuries, which is likely due to intermarriage and other forms of social interaction.
This finding is significant because it challenges the popular perception that the Sinhalese and the Sri Lankan Tamils are two distinct and mutually exclusive groups.
The study’s findings could help to promote understanding and reconciliation between the two groups, who have a long history of conflict.
Here are some of the key points from the article:
- The Sinhalese and the Sri Lankan Tamils are genetically more similar to each other than any other South Asian population group.
- The two groups share a common genetic ancestry that dates back to their migration to Sri Lanka from India around 2,500 years ago.
- There was a significant gene flow between the two groups over the centuries, which is likely due to intermarriage and other forms of social interaction.
- This finding challenges the popular perception that the Sinhalese and the Sri Lankan Tamils are two distinct and mutually exclusive groups.
- The study’s findings could help to promote understanding and reconciliation between the two groups.
