Lessons from Belgium 🇧🇪 & Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
🐯 Tamil Tigers (LTTE) & Tamil Eelam
📌 Who were the LTTE?
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) sought to create an independent Tamil state, Tamil Eelam, in northern & eastern Sri Lanka. Founded in 1976 by Velupillai Prabhakaran.
🗺️ Goal: “Tamil Eelam”
LTTE demanded a separate homeland for Tamils; Sri Lankan state pursued a unitary model. Conflict escalated into a long civil war, ending in 2009.
🧭 Lessons from Belgium 🇧🇪 & Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
| Country | Approach | Result | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | Complex accommodation: parity, double majority, community govts (culture/education/language) | ✅ Prevented strife & partition; unity with diversity | Sharing power builds stability & trust |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | Majoritarian policies: Sinhala Only, preferences, religious protection | ⚠️ Grievances, conflict, LTTE insurgency; civil war (ended 2009) | Imposed dominance fuels division & conflict |
🌟 Why is Power-Sharing Desirable?
🕊️ Reduces Conflict
Balances interests of diverse groups; avoids domination
🏛️ Ensures Stability
Inclusive decisions → durable political order
🧭 Democratic Spirit
People are consulted; have a stake and a say
🧩 Better Outcomes
More viewpoints → wiser, fairer policies
🚫 Short-term majoritarian gains often damage national unity in the long run.
⚖️ Prudential vs Moral Reasons for Power-Sharing
| Reason Type | What it Means | Why it Helps | Example (India) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🧠 Prudential | Practical/efficient outcomes of sharing power | Reduces conflict, improves decision quality, protects stability | 🎫 Reservations in education/jobs for SCs/STs/OBCs → wider participation |
| 🧑⚖️ Moral | Sharing is right in a democracy — respects equality & dignity | Gives all groups a voice; builds legitimacy and trust | 🗣️ Citizens debate/criticise policies; govt is accountable & responsive |
🔎 Remember: Prudential = “What works best?” · Moral = “What is right?”
🧠 Exam Tip (2–3 marks)
- ✍️ Define Power-Sharing + one prudential and one moral reason with examples.
- 🔁 Contrast Belgium’s accommodation vs Sri Lanka’s majoritarianism with one outcome each.