Are you being served? Assessing performance of decentralization in Sri Lanka

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.