(a) Compare the Belgian model and the Sri Lankan model of power sharing.

Belgian Model

(i) The Belgian government applied the model of accommodation.

(ii) They recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversity.

(iii) They amended the Constitution four times between $\displaystyle 1970$ and $\displaystyle 1993$ so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together.

(iv) They respected the feelings and interests of different communities.

(v) The State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government.

(vi) The French majority in Brussels accepted equal number of Dutch and French ministers at the state level of government.

(vii) The Dutch majority in Belgium accepted equal number of French and Dutch ministers at the central government level.

(viii) A third kind of government- ‘community government’ ensured German minority does not feel alienated.

(ix) The community government looked after culture, education and language related issues of the three ethnic groups.

(x) No single community can make decisions unilaterally.

(xi) They mutually accepted arrangements of power sharing.

Sri Lankan Model

(i) The Sri Lankan government applied the model of Majoritarianism.

(ii) They overlooked the existence of regional differences and cultural diversity.

(iii) An Act was passed in $\displaystyle 1956$ to fulfil the wish of majority population.

(iv) They recognise Sinhala as the only official language.

(v) The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.

(vi) A new Constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

(vii) They suppressed the feelings of minority.

(viii) They refused to share power.

(ix) The Sri Lankan Tamils struggled to demand for the recognition of Tamil as an official language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs.

(x) By 1980s, several political organisations demanded a separate Tamil Eelam (state).

(xi) The distrust between the two communities turned into a Civil War that ended in 2009.

(b) Why is power sharing necessary in a democracy? Explain.

(i) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

(ii) It is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.

(iii) It accommodates majority as well as minority.

(iv) It is the very spirit of democracy.

(v) People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.

(vi) A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.

(vii) It strengthens unity of the country.

(viii) It reinforces trust of people in democracy.