The significance of caste in Sri Lankan democracy
These quotes have been selected from the article “Caste-based Differentiation in Sinhalese Society: Role of Buddhism and Democracy” by Pradeep Peiris and Hasini Lecamwasam.
The article interrogates how caste-based differentiation exists among the Sinhalese in Sri Lanka despite the near absence of the economic structures that initially underpinned the caste system. It looks at the role of Buddhism and democracy, two supposedly egalitarian institutions, in encouraging the perpetuation of caste-based differentiation among the Sinhalese.