Federalism and Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A transfer of central governmental authority to regional governments is being tried in Sri Lanka in an attempt to resolve ethnic conflict. In November 1987, Sri Lanka established a system of provincial councils. This system will allow regional autonomy in the country's nine provinces. It is hoped that this council system will resolve complaints by the nation's largest ethnic minority, the Sri Lanka Tamils. The system falls short of being a true federal arrangement, however, because it leaves extensive power in the hands of the president and the national legislature. In addition, the plan is opposed by important groups in the society. The more militant Sri Lanka Tamil leaders have opposed the plan because it transfers too little power to the councils. Also, long-standing fears among the nation's largest ethnic group, the Sinhalese, have generated a violent response from militant members of this ethnic group. The government and moderate Sri Lanka Tamil leaders are now seeking to implement the provincial council system.