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The Problem of Communalism in Contemporary Burma and Sri Lanka

Several journeys to the traditionally Therav~da Buddhist nations of South Asia, most recently in the summer of 1978, have led to an increasing awareness of the erosive nature of social pluralism. Economic, political, and other domestic issues are major challenges, but my research leads me to argue that these and all other concerns are secondary to the threat of uncontrolled communal friction. Further, communalism may have important ramifications for regional inter-state and even international relations, affecting as it does the evolution of foreign policy in countries where it is a source of tension. Burma and Sri Lanka are good examples of modem Asian nations trying to come to grips with historic divisions which have never been adequately bridged.' Both countries face strong secessionist pressure from smaller ethnic groups which resent being labelled cultural 'minorities.' Consequently, both have communal problems which are among the worst in the world today, and both face potential destruction as nations if they cannot soon resolve them. They afford an opportunity, then, to look in depth at communalism as a crucial contemporary political and cultural phenomenon. Although Burma and Sri Lanka share much that has con-