Cambridge University
The Centre of International Studies at Cambridge, which is part of the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS), brings together experts from across the University and beyond to research and debate international issues. Its contribution to public, political and scholarly debate is recognised worldwide.
The Cambridge Carnegie Project on Resolving Self-Determination Disputes Using Complex Power-Sharing
This project presents and analyses novel ways of overcoming apparently unresolvable self-determination conflicts through complex power-sharing arrangements concluded and implemented with international involvement. It considers eight recent cases of such attempted settlements and studies key structural issues involved in layering public authority in a complex way across all of the cases.
What?
Sector
Where
When
With Whom
Sector?
Minority Issues, Inter Ethnic Relations
What?
Assessments And Evaluation, Dialogue Management
Where?
Sri Lanka
Why?
The Muslims in Sri Lanka are a minority spread out across the island state. They tended to be the balance of power in parliamentary equations. However the peace process in Sri Lanka did not include them as a party in negotiations. The inner divisions within the Muslim community further diminished the chances of their participation. It was felt that for the eventual peace agreement to be implemented the participation of a Muslim representation is a must.
When?
2005
What Exactly?
Sunoor Verma was retained to conduct Needs assessment; Stakeholder Consultations; Situation analysis and Institutional capacity assessment of the divided Muslim communities in Sri Lanka in relation to the peace process in that country. This involved, consulting with political, religious, community leaders and other members of the Muslim communities, the government, international missions and further relevant actors in Sri Lanka. The project was carried out in a climate of growing security concerns and travel restrictions.
With Whom?
Cambridge University
What Happened?
Visible and invisible opinion makers were consulted thus ensuring a report, which is highly reliable. This substantive report detailed the identity, interests and positions of Muslim political actors in Sri Lanka in relation to the peace process. This report was presented to the peace process facilitators.
Adviser, Department for Europe
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency