text: Sri Lanka's provincial council system: a solution to the ethnic problem? part 2 Participatory democracy in Japan's centralization drive
  Participatory democracy in Japan's centralization drive
  Policymaking at the grassroots level in Japan despite the national government's inaction has been studied. Japan's decentralization policy puts emphasis on local decision-making to meet the diversified needs of citizens in a mature economy. The participatory autonomy under which residents can participate in local politics is another manifestation of the 'ukezara' of decentralization. The Japanese are compelled to act by the sense of immediacy and reality which they feel in local politics. The ombudsman system and referendums serve as media for positive political action.
  Author: Takao, Yasuo
  Analysis, Japan, Local government, Political participation, Political culture, Decentralization in government, Government decentralization
  The government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam were at war with each other in 2006. A realignment of political forces occurred, and the economy continued to grow but troubling indicators were observed at the end of the year.
  Author: De Silva, Chandra R.
  Public affairs, International politics, Sri Lanka, Economic aspects, Political activity, Military aspects, Military policy, Pacific settlement of international disputes, Peace negotiations, Diplomatic negotiations in international disputes, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, People's Liberation Front (Sri Lanka)
  Abstracts: Sri Lanka's provincial council system: a solution to the ethnic problem? Sri Lanka's Tamil-Sinhalese ethnic conflict: alternative solutions