Sri Lankans in France refer to residents and citizens of Sri Lankan ancestry, who were born in or immigrated to France legally and illegally. The estimated population of Sri Lankans in France is 52,300.[1]
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 52,300 (2017)[1] | |
| Languages | |
| English · Sinhalese · Tamil · French | |
| Religion | |
| Buddhism · Hinduism · Islam · Catholicism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Sri Lankan people |
History
editAlthough most of immigration from Sri Lanka started during the Sri Lankan Civil War, there have been a presence of Sri Lankans in France since the early 20th century since the times of Ceylon. Ceylonese in high positions often went to Europe to study, tour and visit, mostly in England, but also France such as that of Sir John Kotelawala. There have been Ceylonese who fought alongside the British on the Western Front (areas of present-day Belgium, France and Luxembourg) during WW1.[2]
Since the Sri Lankan Civil War the issue of illegal Sri Lankan immigration is a topic of concern for France.[3]
Demographics
editThe Sri Lankan population in France is estimated at approximately 52,300.[1] However, the actual number is difficult to ascertain since statistics by ethnicity or religious denomination are prohibited in France.[4]
Organisations
editThe Sri Lankan Diaspora have created a number of associations which organise Sri Lankan festivals, cultural functions and sports events for the Sri Lankan community.[5]
Notable people
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "Étrangers – Immigrés : pays de naissance et nationalités détaillés". insee.fr (in French). National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ "World War I: The Great War Centenary and Sri Lanka". 4 August 2014.
- ^ "Sri Lanka". Political relations. French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
- ^ "Présentation du Sri Lanka".
- ^ "Sri Lanka-France relations". Sri Lankan community in France. Embassy of Sri Lanka in France. Retrieved 28 June 2011.