comparing power sharing arrangements between belgium and srilanka
Belgium and Sri Lanka are democratic countries having diverse social setups. Yet, both took completely different approaches when it came to sharing of power.
Belgium accommodated the interests of its two main ethnic groups i.e., Dutch and French by formulating a power-sharing arrangement that gave both an equal opportunity in the working of the government. The Belgians realized that the only way of securing the country’s political stability and unity was by giving both the communities an equal representation in the government. In this manner, feelings of resentment towards the other community were not allowed to flourish in Belgium. The power-sharing arrangement in Belgium, although complex, has been running smoothly over the years.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, took a different stand with respect to power sharing. The government in Sri Lanka was completely dominated by the majority Sinhala-speaking population, thereby ignoring the Tamil people. Power was concentrated in the hands of only one community, thereby undermining the interests of the others. This approach proved catastrophic for the unity of Sri Lanka. Over the years, Sri Lanka has been riddled with civil wars and political instability. Refusal to share power has resulted in the weakening of the country.