The people whose forefathers came from India to Srilanka as plantation workers during the colonial period are called .....

The term "Indian Tamils" refers to a specific ethnic group in Sri Lanka, whose forefathers were brought from India to work on plantations during the British colonial period. This group is distinct from the Sri Lankan Tamils, who have a longer history in Sri Lanka and are primarily concentrated in the northern and eastern provinces.

The British colonial government brought Indian Tamils to Sri Lanka in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to work on tea, rubber, and coconut plantations in the central highlands. These workers were primarily from the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The conditions under which they were brought to Sri Lanka were often exploitative, and they were treated as a separate labor force from the native Sri Lankan population.

The Indian Tamils faced significant challenges after Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948. Many were not granted citizenship and faced discrimination. The issue of their citizenship and rights became a contentious political issue, leading to the repatriation of a significant number of Indian Tamils to India in the 1960s and 1970s. However, a substantial number remained in Sri Lanka and continue to be recognized as a distinct ethnic group.

Understanding the distinction between Indian Tamils and Sri Lankan Tamils is crucial for comprehending the complex ethnic dynamics in Sri Lanka. The Indian Tamils are a testament to the historical patterns of labor migration and the lasting impact of colonial policies on contemporary ethnic identities. This knowledge is essential for students of Indian and Sri Lankan history, as well as for those interested in the broader context of colonial labor migration and its consequences.