The statement that best assesses how the British used divide and rule policies in Sri Lanka is: They favored the Tamil over the native Sinhalese.
During British colonial rule in Sri Lanka, the British administration implemented policies that prioritized the Tamil minority, particularly in educated positions and civil service roles. This approach contributed to ethnic tensions between the Tamil and Sinhalese communities, as it fostered resentment among the Sinhalese and created a divide that would have long-lasting implications for Sri Lanka's social and political landscape.