Sri Lanka
Despite being the oldest democracy in South Asia, Sri Lanka struggles with the unequal treatment of ethnic groups across the country.
Assessed Groups
- Religion
- Ethnicity
Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multilingual country. It is the oldest democracy in South Asia. The unequal treatment of ethnic and religious groups across all levels of society presents a significant challenge to the realization of pluralism. For example, the systematic, preferential treatment of the Sinhalese Buddhist population prevents the full participation of all Sri Lankan citizens in the political, economic and social life of the country. This preferential treatment is entrenched in the Constitution, which positions Buddhism as the preferred religion in the country. The country is emerging from a government-imposed ‘victor’s peace’, following a thirty-year civil war. Genuine, meaningful and inclusive reconciliation is still needed in the country to ensure Sri Lanka is able to realize its potential as a peaceful, prosperous and democratic society. This assessment was completed in 2022.
Featured Content
Key Takeaways
National ideologies may be worsening the exclusion of ethno-religious minorities.
Religious freedom is a source of pluralism, but it is under threat.
A lack of data makes inequalities invisible and erases the past
Recommendations
Embrace opportunity to represent Sri Lanka as a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-cultural society in the new, proposed Constitution
Incorporate pluralism concepts within educational curricula
Strengthen bilingualism for bureaucrats and in public services
Reactivate District Reconciliation Committees (DRCs) to help mitigate ethno-religious tensions
Establish a Pluralism and Equal Rights Commission