CBSE Class 10 Social Science Power Sharing Assignment Set C

Very Short answer Type Question

Question. Which one of the following measures does not establish Sinhala supremacy in Sri Lanka?
(a) Sinhala is the only official language.
(b) Preferential policies for government jobs.
(c) The state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
(d) Equal political rights to Sri Lankan Tamils.

Answer: D

Question. Who formed the majority in terms of population in Sri Lanka?
Answer: Sinhala community

Question. What measure was adopted by the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka to establish Sinhala supremacy?
Answer: Sinhala  speaking  community   who  follow Buddhism took many majoritarianistic measures to establish supremacy over Sri Lankan Tamils

Question. What is the state religion of Sri Lanka?
Answer: Buddhism

Question. Explain any one benefit of ‘Power Sharing’.
Answer: Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between different social groups. A social conflict often leads to violence and political instability power sharing helps to ensure the stability of political order.

Question. What is “Homogeneous Society”?
Answer: A homogeneous society shares a common language, ethnicity and culture. Japan and South Korea are examples of homogeneous societies.

Question. In which city is the headquarters of the European Union located?
Answer: Brussels

Question. How and when was Sinhala recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka?
Answer: Sinhala was recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka by passing an Act in 1956.

Question. Which language was recognised as the only official language of Sri Lanka in 1956?
Answer: Sinhala

Question. Which factor is responsible for increasing the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan, Tamil?
Answer: Majoritarianism

Question. Which type of powers does community Government of Belgium enjoy?
Answer: The government has power regarding culture, education and issues related to language

Question. State any two measures adopted by Sri Lanka in 1956 as part of their majoritarian policy.
Answer: Majoritarianism  measures  adopted  in   Sri Lanka  are :-
1.They declared Sinhala as an official language.
2. They   tried    to    promote    their    religion (Buddhism).
3. In order to gain control over Tamil speakers they changed constitution and made new constitution in their own favor.

Question. What does the system of checks and balances’ ensure in power sharing ?
Answer: The system of checks and balances ensures that no one branch of the national government gains too much power.

Question. Mention any one characteristics of power sharing.
Answer: Power sharing is a system of governance where all the communities in the society participate in the policy making.

Question. What system of power sharing is called “Checks and Balances”?
Answer: When one arm of the government can question the functioning of other arms in horizontal power distribution.

Question. What is the prudential reason behind power sharing?
Answer: Power sharing helps in reducing the conflict between  various  social  groups.  Hence,  power sharing is necessary for maintaining social harmony and peace.

Short answer Type Question

Question. Mention the three causes for the Civil War in Sri Lanka?
Answer: The distrust between the two communities, Sinhala and Tamil turned into conflict.
The Srilankan Tamils had launched Parties and struggles –
• Their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was denied.
• Struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an official language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs failed.
• In 1980s several political organizations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam [state] in northeren and eastern part of Srilanka. It soon turned into a Civil War.

Question. List the three merits of Power Sharing?
Answer: • Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
• It is the very spirit of democracy.
• It brings in the unity of the nation.

Question. How has the Belgian government solved its ethnic Problem?
Answer: • The Path of accommodation adopted in Belgium –
• Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the central govt.
• Many Powers of the central government have been given to state govt. The state Govt is not subordinate to the Central Govt.
• Brussels has a separate Govt. in which both the communities have equal representation.
• There is a third kind of Govt. called community Govt. elected by the people belonging to Dutch, French and German no matter where they live.
• When many countries of Europe came together to form the Europe union, Brussels was chosen as its headquarters.

Question. Explain the four forms of Power Sharing with examples.
Answer: • Horizontal distribution of power.[between the organs of the government-Legislature,
• Executive and Judiciary]- India
• Vertical distribution of power. [among Central level, state level and local level] – India
• Power sharing among different social groups.[ Community Government, [Belgium]
• reserved seats, Women ]- India
• Power sharing among different political parties, Pressure groups and Movements.- In India [Coalition government]

Question. How did Sri Lanka and the Belgium government try to solve the ethnic problem?
Answer: (i) The Belgium leaders tried to solve the ethnic problem by respecting the feelings and interests of different communities and regions, whereas the Sri Lankan government tried to solve the problem through majoritarianism.
(ii)  Belgian leaders established a federal structure under   which  power  was  shared  between  the Union   Government   and  its  other  constituent units whereas Sri Lankan leaders adopted Unitary Government structure.
(iii) The Belgium solution helped in avoiding civic strife whereas the majoritarianism in Sri Lanka led to the civil war.

Question. “Attempts at forced integration often sow the seeds of disintegration”. Support the statement with suitable arguments.
Answer: It  is  true  that  forced  integration  of communities  very often bring in a lot of feelings of grudge and disagreement among the regions. This has been seen in Sri Lanka between the Sinhalese and Tamils.
The problem arises during integration of two regions in division of power and sharing of resources. Each side is afraid that the other party or region will dominate over their region. They are afraid of going backwards. And, in today’s world no one wants to be pushed aside by others. An important example is the breakdown of erstwhile USSR into different countries of East Europe.
That is why integration should be on a harmonious, cordial and amical terms and not by force.

Question. Compare the different ways in which the Belgians and the Sri Lankans have dealt with the problem of cultural diversity.
Answer: The Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional and cultural diversities.
(i) They amended their Constitution four times so  as  to  work  out  an  innovative  arrangement that would enable everyone to live together in peace and harmony, i.e., there was sharing of power between the Dutch and the French both in  the  Central  Government,  State Government and Communities Government. They followed a policy of accommodation.
This helped to avoid civic strife and division of the country on linguistic lines.
(ii) On the other hand, the Sinhalese who were in majority in Sri Lanka as compared to the Tamils followed a policy of majoritatrianism and adopted a series of measures to establish Sinhala supremacy by passing an Act of 1956.
These measures alienated the Tamils leading to civic strife between the two communities.

Question. “Social division take place when some social difference overlap with other social differences.” Support the statement.
Answer: Social division takes place when some social difference overlaps with other differences.
(a) The difference between the Blacks and Whites becomes a social division in the US because the Blacks tend to be poor, homeless and discriminated against.
(b) In our country Dalits tend to be poor and landless. They often face discrimination and injustice. Situations of this kind produce social divisions.
(c) Considering  the  cases of Northern  Ireland and the Netherlands. Both are predominantly Christian but divided between Catholics and Protestants. In Northern Ireland, class and religion overlap with each other. The Catholics in Northern Ireland are also more likely to be poor, and often have a history of discrimination. Whereas in the Netherlands, class and religion tend to cut across each other. Catholics and Protestants are about equally likely to be poor or rich. The result is that Catholics and  Protestants  have had  conflicts in Northern Ireland, while they do not do so in the Netherlands. Overlapping social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions.

Question. “The assertion of social diversities in a democratic country is very normal and can be healthy.” Justify the statement with arguments.
Answer: (a) Assertion   of   social   diversity   in   a democracy can be seen as very healthy and normal. Here each social class expresses their feelings and thoughts.
(b)  It creates a spark in other social class too to express their aspirations and demands.
(c) This allows various disadvantaged and marginal social groups to express their grievances and attract the attention of the government action.
(d)  Expressions of different social divisions in politics often results in their cancelling one other thereby reducing their intensity. This often leads to strengthening of democracy.

Question. Describe the power sharing arrangement made by Belgium.
Answer: The main elements of the Belgium model of power-sharing includes :
(i)   Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the Central Government. Some special laws require the support of majority of members from each linguistic group. Thus no single community can make decisions unilaterally.
(ii)  Many  powers  of  the  Central  Government have been given to State Governments. The State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government.
(iii) Brussels had a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation. The French speaking people accepted equal representation  in Brussels because the Dutch speaking community has accepted equal representation in the Central Government.

Question. What is majoritarianism? How has it increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils? Explain.
Answer: ‘Majoritarianism’ is a concept which signifies a belief that the majority community  should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants. In this type of rule they disregard the wishes and needs of the minority.
The  majoritarian   concept   has   increased   the strong  feelings of alienation  among  Sri Lankan
Tamils because of the series of majoritarian measures adopted by the democratically elected government in Sri Lanka after its independence in 1948 to establish Sinhala Supremacy.
(i)   In 1956 an Act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official language thus disregarding Tamil.
(ii) The  Government   followed  preferential policies that favored Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(iii) A new constitution  advocated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

Question. “Both Belgium and Sri Lanka are democracies but they follow different systems of power sharing”. Support the statement by giving three points of difference.
Answer: Difference in power sharing of Belgium and Sri Lanka :
(i)   In Belgium,  the   government   does   not follow preferential policies in matters of jobs and education. In Sri Lanka, the government follows preferential  policies in  matters  of  government, jobs and education.
(ii)  In  Belgium, there  is a special government called  ‘Community  Government’  to  look  after the cultural, educational and language related issues. In Sri Lanka, the major political parties are not sensitive to the language and culture of the Tamils.
(iii) In Belgium, there is no discrimination between different religions. In Sri Lanka, Buddhism is the official religion.

Question. Mention any three demands of Sri lankan Tamils.
Answer: Demands of the Sri Lankan Tamils:
(i)   Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
(ii)  Equal opportunities for Tamils in government jobs and educational institutions.
(iii) Provincial autonomy  for Tamil dominated provinces.

Question. How has the democratically elected government in Srilanka established ‘Majoritarian, measures?
Answer: • In 1956,an Act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil.
• The government followed Preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for University positions and government jobs.
• Protected and fostered Buddhism.

Question. Why has Brussels ,been chosen as the headquarters of the European Union?
Answer: • They recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities and the arrangement [Accommodation] they worked out is different from any other country and is innovative.
• It has avoided Civic problems and division on linguistic basis, instead brought stability.
• Though complicated, this arrangement has enabled everyone to live together within the same country.

Question. How is the system of ‘ checks and balances’ maintained among the different organs of the government?
Answer: • Power is shared among the different organs of the government such as the
• legislature, executive and judiciary.
• It allows different organs of the government placed at the same level to exercise different powers.
• Such a separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the other .This result in balance of power.

Question. Why is power sharing a necessity?
Answer: The first reason is power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order as social conflict often leads to violence and political instability.
Imposing the will of the majority community over others may look like an attractive option  in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation.
Tyranny of the majority is not only oppressive for the minority but it also brings ruin to the majority.
Another important  reason is that  the very spirit of  democracy  is  power  sharing.  A  democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate government  is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.

Question. “Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united.” Do you agree with this statement and why?
Answer: Power sharing keeps up with the ‘Spirit’ of Democracy as :
(i) Power sharing ensures that all people have stake in government.
(ii) Power sharing ensures maximum participation. It upholds the concept of people’s rule. It always brings better outcomes in democracy. It ensures political stability in a democracy.
(iii) Power sharing accommodates diverse groups. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

Question. Explain any three forms of power sharing.
Answer: In modern democracies, power sharing can take the following forms:
1. Organs of Government: In democracy, power is shared among Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. This is known as distribution of power, it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. No organ can exercise unlimited power as each organ checks the others.
2. Governments at different levels: In federal form of government, power is shared between the central and state governments. In India there is another lower level of government, the-local self government. This is called vertical division of government.
3. Social Groups: Power may also be shared among different social groups such as religious and linguistic groups.

Question. What is power sharing? Why power sharing is important in democracy? 
Answer: (i) When the power does not rest with any one organ of the state rather it is shared among legislature, executive and judiciary it is called power sharing.
(ii) Power sharing is important in a democracy because :
(a) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
(b) It is the very spirit of democracy.
(c) It is a good way to ensure the stability of the political order.

Question. Explain the three measures taken by Sri Lanka, as per the Act passed in 1956.
Answer: The measures taken by Sri Lanka are :
(i)   Goverment adopted majoritarian measure to establish Sinhala Supremacy. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language thus disregarding Tamil.
(ii) The  governments   followed  preferential politics that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(iii) A new Constitution  stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhiusm.

Question. How is the ethnic composition of Belgium very complex? Explain.
Answer: (i)  Of  the  country’s  total  population,  59 percent live in the Flemish region and speak Dutch language.
(ii)  Another 40 percent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French.
(iii) Remaining one percent of the Belgians speak German.
(iv) In the capital city Brussels, 80 percent people speak French while 20 percent are Dutch speaking.

Question. Explain any three consequences of the majoritarian policies adopted by the Sri Lankan government.
Answer: Consequences   of   majoritarian   policies adopted by Sri Lankan Government :
(i)   Tamils felt the government was not sensitive about Tamil language and culture.
(ii)  Tamils felt discriminated against in jobs and education.
(iii) Tamils felt the government was practicing religious discrimination.

Question. “The outcome of politics of social divisions depends on how the political leaders raise the demands of any community”. Explain the statement.
Answer: (i) It is easy to accommodate demands that are within the constitutional framework and are not at the cost of another community.
(ii) The demand for only the Sinhala community in Sri Lanka was at the cost of interest and identity of Tamil community.
(iii) In  Yugoslavia, the  leaders of  the  different ethnic communities presented their demands in such a way that these could not be accommodated within a single country.

Question. How can power be shared among governments at different levels? Explain.
Answer: Vertical division of power : Vertical division of power means sharing of power among governments at different levels.
In India, there are three levels of the government :
(i) For the entire country : Central Government/Union Government.
(ii) At the provincial level : State Governments.
(iii) At the local level (i.e., rural and urban) : Local self governments like panchayats and municipal councils.

Question. Describe horizontal and vertical power sharing in modern democracies.
Answer: Sr. No. Horizontal division of power Vertical division of power
(i) Horizontal division of power sharing arrangement in which power is shared among different organs of government, such as legislature, executive and judiciary. In vertical division of powers, power can be shared among governments at different levels, like union, state and local levels of government, i.e, it involves higher and lower levels of the government.
(ii) In horizontal division of power, different organs of government exercise different powers. This is a concept of separation of powers. In vertical division of powers, constitution clearly lays down the power of different levels of the government.
(iii) Horizontal distribution specifies the concept of checks and balances in order to check the exercise of unlimited powers of a particular organ. There is no concept of checks and balances, because powers are clearly given by the constitution from the higher level to the lower level.

Question. In modern democracies, power is often shared among different organs of the government. Explain.
Answer: Power is shared between different organs of the government such as Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. This system of power sharing is referred to as a system of ‘checks and balances’ because :
(i) All three organs are placed at the same level of power.
(ii) The power distribution ensures that no organ enjoys unlimited powers.
(iii) Each organ exercises a check on the other. Thus there is a balance of power.

Question. Why is power sharing necessary in democracy? Explain. Forms of Power Sharing
Answer: The first reason is power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order as social conflict often leads to violence and political instability.
Imposing the will of the majority community over others may look like an attractive option  in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation.
Tyranny of the majority is not only oppressive for the minority but it also brings ruin to the majority.
Another important  reason is that  the very spirit of  democracy  is  power  sharing.  A  democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate government  is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.

Long answer Type Question

Question. Describe the power sharing arrangement made in Belgium. Why Power Sharing is Desirable?
Answer: The  main  elements  of  the  power-sharing model evolved in Belgium are :
(i) Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the Central Government. Some special laws require the support of majority of members from each linguistic group. Thus, no single community can make decisions unilaterally.
(ii) Many  powers  of  the  Central  Government have been given to State Governments of the two regions of the country. The State Governments are not subordinated to the Central Government.
(iii) Brussels had a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation. The   French-speaking   people   accepted   equal representation  in Brussels because the Dutch- speaking community has accepted equal representation in the Central Government.
(iv) Apart  from  the  central  and  the  state government, there is a third kind of government called the Community Government.
(v) This Community government is elected by people  belonging  to  one  language  community such as – Dutch, French and German speaking. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.

Question. Give reasons why power sharing is desirable?
Answer: Power sharing is desirable in democracy because :
(i) Prudential reasons :
(a) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability.
(b) It is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
(c) Imposing the will of over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation.
(ii) Moral reasons :
(a) Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise and who have to live with its effect.
(b) People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
(c) A legitimate government is one where citizens through participation, acquire a stake in the system.

Question. Three factors are crucial in deciding the outcome of politics of social division. What are they?
Answer: The three factors that are crucial in deciding the outcome of politics of social division are :
(a) People’s perception : This is the most important factor which decides the outcome of politics of social divisions. If people see their identities in singular and exclusive terms, it can lead to social divisions and violence. It is much easier if the people see that their identities are multiple and are complementary with the national identity. A majority of Belgians now feel that they are as much Belgian nationalist or citizens as they are Dutch or German speaking. This feeling binds them together. Similarly in India; though – India is a multi-cultural country, but the feeling of nationalism binds us together.
(b) Raising of demands by political leaders : The outcome of politics of social division also depends on how political leaders raise the demands of any community. It is easier to accommodate demands that are within the constitutional framework and are not at the cost of another community. The Sinhalese leaders of Sri Lanka wanted to fulfil their demand at the cost of other communities, and this led to the civil war.
(c) Reaction of Government: The outcome also depends on how the government reacts to the demands of different groups. If the rulers are willing to share power and accommodate the reasonable demands of minority community, social divisions become less threatening for the country. But if they try to suppress such a demand with force and in the name of national unity, this can lead to civil war or division of country, and that is what happened in Sri Lanka.

Question. “Social divisions affect politics.” Examine the statement.
Answer: Social divisions indeed affect politics. Various groups raise demands and during elections vote as per their interests. Social divisions affect voting in most countries. People from one community tend to prefer some party more than others. In many countries there are parties that focus only on one community, which however, cannot  be said to be healthy.
Political expression of social diversity depends on three factors, which are as follows:
(a) How people perceive their identities. If people see their identity in singular or exclusive term, it becomes difficult to accommodate social diversity. A majority  of Belgians now  feel that  they  are as much Belgian as they are Dutch or German- speaking. This helps them to stay together. This is how most people in our country see their identity: they think of themselves as Indian as well as belonging to a state or a language group.
(b) How political leaders raise the demands of any community. It is easier to accommodate demands that are within the constitutional framework and are not  at the  cost of another  community.    In Sri Lanka, the demand  for ‘only  Sinhala’  was at the cost of the interest and identity of the Tamil community.
(c) How the government reacts to the demands of a community. If the government accommodates the demand of a particular community in a justified way, it   makes the politics much better.
As seen in the case of Belgium. Whereas it did not happen  in Sri Lanka, if the rulers are willing to share power and accommodate the reasonable demands of minority community, social divisions become less hazardous for the country. However, when the demands are suppressed the end result is very bad.

Question. “In a democracy, political expression of social division is very normal and can be healthy.” Justify this statement with suitable arguments.
Answer: Every expression of social division in politics does not lead to disasters but it is beneficial too.
In a democracy, political expression of social divisions is very normal and can be healthy. In the cases of India, and Belgium it has been  observed that social diversities can be accommodated in a very positive manner.
But a positive attitude towards diversity and a willingness to accommodate it do not come about easily.
(i) People who feel marginalized, deprived and discriminated have to fight against the injustices.
(ii) Such  a  fight  often  takes  the  democratic path  voicing their  demands  in  a  peaceful and constitutional manner.
(iii) Seeking a fair position through elections.
(iv) Sometimes social differences can take the form of unacceptable level of social inequality and injustice. The struggle against such inequalities sometimes takes the path of violence and defiance of state power. However, history shows that democracy is the best way to fight for recognition and also to accommodate diversity.
(iv) Relations  between  Tamils  and  Sinhalese became strained.

Question. How is the idea of power sharing emerged? Explain different forms that have common arrangements of power sharing.
Answer: The idea of power sharing has emerged contrary to the notions of undivided political power. Earlier it was believed that all powers of a government must reside in one person or group located at one place. It was felt that if the power to decide was dispersed, it would not be possible to take quick decisions and to enforce them. But these notions have changed with the emergence of democracy.
We have learnt that power sharing actually empowers individuals and communities. The two important reasons for sharing power are as follows:
1. Prudential reason : Power sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. We know that social conflict often leads to violence and political instability. Thus power sharing can ensure the stability of political order. Imposing the will of majority community over others undermines the unity of the nation.
2. Moral reason : Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. It must involve sharing of power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. This can only be achieved when the citizens have a stake in the system.
For example in India people elect their representative through direct franchise. After that, people’s representatives elect the government to make or amend rules & regulations and to carry out day to day functioning of governance. In India we have a central government, a state government and a local government (panchayat or municipalities)
Forms of Power Sharing :
1. Horizontal Power sharing : Power is shared among different arms of the government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. This ensures that none of the arms of the government has unlimited power. Each organ acts as a check for the others. This leads to a balance of power among various institutions.
For example, though ministers and government officials exercise power, they are responsible to the Parliament or State Assemblies. Similarly, although judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of executive or laws made by the legislatures. This arrangement is called a system of checks and balances.
2. Vertical Power sharing : Power sharing among governments at different levels –
A government for the entire country is called‘Central or Union or Federal government’. The government in a particular state is called ‘State government’ in India. In such cases the constitution clearly lays down the powers of different levels of government.
This is what was done in Belgium but not done in Sri Lanka. This is called federal division of power.
3. Empowering Social groups : Power may also be shared among different social groups such as the religious and linguistic groups. ‘Community government’ in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement. I System of ‘reserved constituencies’ in assemblies and the parliament of our country is an example of empowering minority community.
4. Political parties and Pressure groups : Power sharing is also seen in the way political parties, pressure groups and social movements control or influence those in power. In a democracy acquiring power can take the form of competition among different parties. Such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand. In the long run, power is shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. This kind of sharing can be direct as in a coalition government when two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections.
In a democracy, we find interest groups such as those of traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers and industrial workers. They also will have a share in governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or bringing influence on the decision-making process.

Question. Compare the situation of Belgium and Sri Lanka considering their location, size and cultural aspects.
Answer: The comparison between Belgium and Sri Lanka is follows:
Belgium Sri Lanka
Belgium is located in Western Europe, north of France.
It is a relatively small country covering a size of about 30500 sq km, with the following population characteristics:
• 59% of the total population speak Dutch
• 40% of the total population speak French
• 1% of the total population speak German
• However, in the capital Brussels 80% speak
French and 20% Dutch
• The French were relatively rich and powerful. The Dutch speaking were a majority in the country but a minority in the capital-Brussels. Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean south of India. It covers an area of about 65610 sq km with the following population characteristics:
• Sinhala speaking population 74%
• Tamil speaking population 18 %, our which Sri Lankan Tamil 13% and Indian immigrant Tamils 4%
• The Sinhala speakers are Buddhists and the Tamil speakers are Muslims or Hindus.
Belgium Sri Lanka
• Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities. They amended the constitution as needed.
• The number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers was made equal in the central government.
• Some special laws require the support of majority of members from each linguistic group. Thus, no single community can make decisions unilaterally.
• State governments of the two regions have lot of power and are not subordinate to the Central Government.
• Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation.
There is a third ‘community government’ elected by the people belonging to one language community – Dutch, French and German-speaking. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues. • The democratically elected government adopted a majoritarian measure to establish Sinhala supremacy.
• In 1956 Sinhala became the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil.
• The governments followed preferential policies that favored Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
• A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
• There was a feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils.
• They felt that Buddhist Sinhala political parties were not sensitive to their language and culture.
• They felt that the constitution denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them.
Results Results
Civic strife between the two major communities and a possible division of the country on linguistic lines was avoided. When many countries of Europe came together to form the European Union, Brussels was chosen as its headquarters. The Sri Lankan Tamils launched political parties but their demand for more autonomy to Tamil provinces was denied. The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict and a civil war.