Power and politics - in the shadow of Sri Lanka's armed conflict

The dramatic change in the Sri Lankan political landscape caused by the defeat of the Tamil Tigers in 2009 created the space for a historic, new process for change to power balances, both the political and the economic. How- ever it will take time, effort and political compromise to change the underly- ing structures and culture that laid the foundation for these violent events and the growth of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The armed power struggle between the government and the LTTE has been a natural starting point for many analyses of Sri Lanka. For Sri Lanka’s future processes, it is important to widen the analytical structure in order to be able to observe power structures, inter-linkages and the long processes of change throughout the island.

This volume of Sida Studies gives the reader a historical platform concerning the power structures and struggles – political, economic and with an important gender dimension. Even though Sri Lanka has had women prime ministers and a female President, women’s rights and opportunities still need extra attention. Understanding the historical accounts that lie behind con- temporary politics is vital. Sri Lanka is now in a new and very important process – post-war development. A true democratic process may be an important step towards the establishment of a long, stable period of peace in Sri Lanka, in which inclusiveness and ownership are prerequisites.