Democracy and Devolution as a Strategy for Conflict Resolution, the Political Will as a Determinant: The Case of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The state is faced with several challenges in recent times. One of the greatest challenges to the state is the growing ethnic competition and conflict between groups. Ethnic consciousness is developed among communities by the elite. This leads to a rise in the demands made to the state. Tackling the varied conflicting interest is a cumbersome task. Ethnic identity politics is a result of elite competition and conflict. The only solution to lasting peace is democracy and devolution. However, democratic techniques to resolve conflicts also require a strong political will that is sincere towards the effort of conflict resolution. Assimilation and integration along with decentralization can give the peace process a fair chance to succeed. This article studies the process of conflict resolution in Sri Lanka since efforts towards devolution of power were made to accommodate demands of the Tamils and establish peace. Democracy and devolution were given a chance in Sri Lanka; however, the lack of a will among the elites on both the sides to garner a solution to the conflict led to its failure. Despite the devolution packages being offered right since the 1950s, the ethnic conflict culminated into military action on the part of the state.