In 1948 Sri Lanka got independent just after one year of India's independence

Sri Lanka's Independence and Federalism

Introduction
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, gained its independence from British colonial rule on February 4, 1948. The country's journey towards independence was marked by various political developments, including the demand for federalism.

What is Federalism?
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional or state governments. In a federal system, both the central and regional governments have their own separate powers and responsibilities, and they work together to govern the country.

The Demand for Federalism in Sri Lanka
The demand for federalism in Sri Lanka emerged as a response to the perceived marginalization of certain ethnic and regional groups within the country. Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic nation with Sinhalese and Tamil being the two major ethnic groups. The Tamil minority, especially those living in the northern and eastern regions of the country, felt that their rights and interests were not adequately represented and protected by the central government.

Key Concepts of Federalism in Sri Lanka
1. Devolution of Power: One of the main concepts of federalism in Sri Lanka is the devolution of power from the central government to regional or state governments. This allows for greater autonomy and decision-making power at the regional level.

2. Regional Autonomy: Federalism promotes regional autonomy, where regional governments have the authority to make decisions on matters that directly affect their regions. This ensures that diverse regional interests are taken into account in the governance of the country.

3. Protection of Minority Rights: Federalism aims to protect the rights and interests of minority groups within a country. In the case of Sri Lanka, federalism was seen as a way to address the concerns of the Tamil minority and provide them with greater political representation and participation.

4. Power-Sharing: Federalism promotes power-sharing between the central and regional governments. This allows for a more inclusive and participatory decision-making process, where different regions and ethnic groups have a voice in the governance of the country.

5. Resource Distribution: Federalism also involves the equitable distribution of resources between the central and regional governments. This ensures that regions have access to the necessary resources to meet the needs of their populations.

Conclusion
The demand for federalism in Sri Lanka emerged as a response to the perceived marginalization of certain ethnic and regional groups. Federalism promotes devolution of power, regional autonomy, protection of minority rights, power-sharing, and resource distribution. These concepts aim to ensure a more inclusive and equitable governance system that addresses the diverse needs and interests of the country's population.