Question

9. Bring out the major differences between
the Belgian and Sri Lankan
democracies. in 5 marks
​

Answer 1

Answer:

The democratic system in Belgium is an ideal example of power sharing.It had accommodated the interests of its two main ethnic groups, that is, the Dutch and the French.The two groups have equal share in the working of government. To maintain political stability and unity, equal representation had to be provided to the two social groups. Both French and Dutch speaking ministers are in the central government. Many powers of the central government has also been distributed among the state governments of both French and Dutch speaking regions. Apart from this, a community government also exists which is elected by people belonging to one language community.Such an arrangement has prevented civil strife.But Sri Lankan democracy has followed majoritarian policies which gave preferences to the interests of the majority Sinhala community neglecting the Tamil minority.The interests of the Tamils were undermined which in the long run gave rise to civil war and political instability.