NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Civics: Power SharingCompare the ways in which Belgium and Sri Lanka dealt with the problem of power sharing and cultural diversity.

Both Belgium and Sri Lanka are democracies facing severe ethnic and cultural diversities, yet their approaches and political outcomes regarding power sharing have been fundamentally different.

1. The Case of Belgium

• Accommodation of Diversity: Belgium recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities. Between 1970 and 1993, the Belgian leaders amended their constitution four times to enable everyone to live together within the same country.
• Key Elements of the Belgian Model:
  • Equal representation for Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government.
  • Transfer of many powers of the central government to state governments of the two regions.
  • Separate government for Brussels with equal representation for both linguistic groups.
  • Introduction of a 'community government' elected by people belonging to one language community.
• Outcome: This innovative model helped to avoid civic strife between the two communities and prevented the possible linguistic division of the country, ensuring political stability.

2. The Case of Sri Lanka

• Majoritarianism: Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948, and the democratically elected government adopted a series of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
• Key Elements of Sri Lankan Policies:
  • An Act was passed in 1956 to recognize Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil.
  • Preferential policies were favored for university positions and government jobs for Sinhala applicants.
  • A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
• Outcome: These government measures alienated the Sri Lankan Tamils, leading to mistrust, widespread protests, the formation of militant groups, and ultimately a devastating civil war that caused massive loss of life and property.

Conclusion\nWhile Belgium's accommodation model fostered peace, unity, and cooperation, Sri Lanka's majoritarian approach led to prolonged ethnic conflict and national disintegration.