NPC, under the Active Citizens for Elections and Democracy (ACED) project, has taken significant steps towards promoting inclusive governance by addressing negative perceptions of power devolution and encouraging broader participation in provincial elections. As part of this initiative, NPC conducted a series of district level training sessions focusing on power devolution and its potential to create a more inclusive governance system.

The meetings, which were held in Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Matara and Hambantota, reached out to local communities involving 35 participants from each district from NPC networks including District Inter Religious Committees (DIRCs), Local Inter Religious Committees (LIRCs) and women's networks. The participation of women and youth interested in politics enriched the discussions and group activities. The meetings were led by Dr. Nadeesh de Silva, a senior lecturer at the Open University and educated participants about the significance of devolution, addressing misconceptions, and discussing strategies for ensuring fair representation for all ethnic communities.

The training sessions explored the country’s diverse ethnic composition and examined how historical and cultural factors shaped perceptions about power devolution. Key topics discussed included the role of mindful voting in ensuring equitable representation for all communities and the need for inclusive governance that reflects a multi-ethnic society. Participants challenged common misconceptions about devolution such as fears about national division or security risks.

Participants also engaged in discussions about the potential outcomes of power devolution including the promotion of the rule of law, equity and fair governance. While some participants emphasised the need for structural rather than divisive approaches to power sharing, others highlighted the importance of ensuring that minority communities, particularly Tamils and Muslims, had a meaningful voice in the governance process. Dr. de Silva emphasised the importance of the principle of power to the people, urging participants to view devolution as an opportunity for greater fairness and inclusion. He also highlighted the expectations of the communities for devolution in different tiers to address the issues of the people.

There were regional differences in attitudes towards power devolution.

In Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa participants emphasised the importance of power sharing to address the needs of Tamil and Muslim communities who are minorities in these predominantly Sinhala areas. Many expressed concern that without power sharing, Sinhala candidates would continue to dominate elections, often overlooking the rights and needs of these minority groups. Participants from these districts voiced strong support for a more inclusive approach, believing that power sharing could foster greater equity and ensure that the rights of all communities are respected.

In Matara and Hambantota there were concerns raised about sharing power with northern districts, reflecting the complex and sometimes divisive perceptions surrounding devolution. Some participants questioned whether devolution should extend to the northern regions while others were more open to exploring ways in which power sharing could work to benefit all communities.

In Trincomalee some participants echoed concerns about power sharing with northern districts, suggesting that the government should reconsider power sharing arrangements. Despite these challenges, the overall goal remained clear: fostering a dialogue that encourages understanding and cooperation among diverse communities.

The European Union funded ACED project is committed to continuing its efforts to promote inclusive governance and representation across Sri Lanka. With 25 district level meetings planned, the NPC aims to continue fostering discussions that address misconceptions about devolution and explore solutions that can enhance governance for all ethnic communities and groups. The project will also utilize media outreach and social media campaigns to further highlight the importance of inclusive governance and the positive impacts of power-sharing. By fostering a broader understanding of devolution and its potential benefits, NPC and its networks are working toward a future where power is shared more equitably, ensuring that the voices of all communities, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, are heard in the governance process.

Through these efforts, the ACED project hopes to build a more democratic, just, and peaceful Sri Lanka, where power truly belongs to the people, and governance reflects the diversity and unity of the nation.