10.4225/03/5936012b8d48c
Samaratunge, Ramanie
Ramanie
Samaratunge
Waddell, Dianne
Dianne
Waddell
Are you being served? Assessing performance of decentralization in Sri Lanka
Monash University
2017
2001
1959.1/469438
monash:62882
2017-06-06 01:11:06
Journal contribution
https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/journal_contribution/Are_you_being_served_Assessing_performance_of_decentralization_in_Sri_Lanka/5080657
The objectives of decentralization policies in Sri Lanka have not matched their expectations, resulting in a considerable gap between theory and practice. People's participation, one of the main objectives of decentralization, has not been achieved in any significant manner. It is argued that the present decentralization model has placed the socially and economically advantaged group in a more dominant position in the development process. A lack of awareness of available opportunities amongst the local community exacerbates the problem. Finally, cooperation between the local community and practitioners is minimal thereby strengthening the dominance of politicians and bureaucrats in the decentralization process.