Caste and Family Politics Sinhalese 1947–1976

This book attempts to describe and analyse the social relationships as well as the politics when Sri Lanka became independent.

Originally published in 1979, this book attempts to describe and analyse the social relationships which gave a unique character to Sri Lanka's politics at the time. Dr Jiggins' book is a vivid and lively account of Sinhalese politics after Sri Lanka became independent.Originally published in 1979, this book attempts to describe and analyse the social relationships which gave a unique character to Sri Lanka's politics at the time, and which helped to explain the persistence of Westminster-style parliamentary politics in a society undergoing rapid economic and social change. Dr Jiggins describes some of the main actors in Sri Lankan public life, and places their political careers and loyalties within a social context. She explores the adaptation of traditional social structures and relations within a modernising state, and traces the emergence and behaviour of political parties with reference to such adaptations. The book stepped outside a narrow constitutional or party-political framework, and brought fresh material to the reader, enabling him to grasp the dynamic political life of the island. Dr Jiggins' book is a vivid and lively account of Sinhalese politics after Sri Lanka became independent.