Nature of Evolution, Changing Pattern and Issues of Local Governance

The main purpose of this book is to explore, how the changing pattern of social structure was crucially impact on formation of local administration in the context of local democracy and governance in pre- and post- independence Sri Lanka. The ancient administration system was highly centered and autocratic during the king domain period in Sri Lankan society. Entire administration system was completely controlled by the king and his subordinates’ class who had more privileges and civil powers than ordinary people on various social capacities. Due to this privileges and civil authorities of this elite group that people did not have sufficient opportunity to engage in administrative activities or politics on what they need to wish. This trend has been shown not only under the colonial period but also after independence as well. Therefore, a puzzle is creating regarding period of pre- and post-independence administrative and local governance process in Sri Lanka. That is, there was a sufficient opportunity had for the people with regard participate of politics and administrative functions.