Conceptualizing Local Governance in the Context of Citizen Participation: Towards a Participatory Approach of Local Government Institutions in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This paper, provides a conceptual basis for institutionalizing citizen participation in the local government system under the existing constitutional structure. To achieve this objective, the study employs the assumption that effectivemechanismofdecentralization accommodates more spaces for citizens for engaging in the process of decision making and as a result, participatory democracy could be institutionalized. In the discussion, two sub-questions need to be addressed as to how decentralization facilitates the promotion of citizenparticipationandwhycitizen participation is significant in the context of local government. Answering these questions, this paper seeks to advance the argument that due to weaknesses of the existing representative democratic system, the necessities of local communities have not been represented and therefore there is a requisite for an alternative mechanism throughwhichentirelocal communities can be participated and represent their needs. The bottom-up approach of decentralization facilitates the creation of such a mechanism. Accordingly, the paper seeks to provide an overview, scope and applicability of the concepts of participatory democracy and decentralization by reviewing their definitions and critically assessing both their conceptual coherence and utility as realistic and policy tools. It seeks to analyze these concepts to assess the extent to which such practices are being implemented; and the problems and challenges faced during their implementation. This analysis facilitates to understand how, and under what conditions,citizenparticipationand decentralized governance can contribute to the more inclusive local governance system. In particular, this conceptualization will assist in the evaluation and understanding of the patterns of decentralization and citizen participation in local governance in Sri Lanka. After discussing these issues from a theoretical perspective, the author examined a complex relationshipbetweendevelopment, decentralization and citizen participation in democratic local governance with specific reference to Sri Lanka. The study employs a qualitative method and uses secondary sources such as journal articles, working papers, legislation etc.