Abstract:
Local democracy is a popular concept that is most applicable at the grassroots level. If the local government
has a strong standing in local democracy, it can legitimately claim to play a significant and distinctive role in
the central government. Against this backdrop, this study attempts to analyse the function of local
democracy in Kalmunai Municipality in Eastern Sri Lanka. This study is based on a descriptive method of
inquiry. The data were collected from both primary and secondary sources of information. In the collection of
primary data, the tools and techniques of qualitative research, such as observation, interviews, structured
questionnaire, focus group discussions, and field visits were employed. The qualitative interviews were
conducted with representatives, voters, and civil society members. Secondary sources such as published and
unpublished records, both from different levels of government and from non-governmental organizations,
were perused to collect relevant data. The findings of the study show that Kalmunai Municipal Council is
struggling to establish a well-built democracy in its territory through people participation at a broader level.
The major reason for the declining standard of democratic governance appears to be a distinct drop in the
perceived efficiency and effectiveness of the council, issues that have not been addressed by the council. The
grossly inadequate powers and resources available to it have made the council incapable of tackling even the
underlying day-to-day problems of the local communities.
