It is a matter for national pride that Sri Lanka was able to maintain unity in diversity, which even the so-called mother of democracy, England failed to achieve since only English is spoken in that country despite the presence of numerous communities and religions. No leader who ruled this country since independence had ever perceived this reality until President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga assumed reins of power. Without indulging in petty political advantages she took the decisive step of presenting a set of devolution proposals with the sole objective of seeking a lasting solution to the ethnic conflict. In the past all politicians were interested in pursuing narrow political gains. The proposals presented by the government could be termed a new ideology for a nation about to venture into the 21st century.
Some people claim the government's proposals amount to a fragmentation of the country.
No fragmentation is possible at all. Before and after the introduction of the provincial councils, racial riots leading to fragmentation took place. It is no secret that the devolution of power could ensure the unity of a country. India and Switzerland could be cited as examples. The Sinhala extremists and Prabhakaran are against the devolution of power.