The book is a publication by Marga Institute and is the first in the Development Review series. The book is authored by leading voices in the public sphere: Mr Bradman Weerakoon and Mr Shelton Wanasinghe, and deals with the core issues of democracy in Sri Lanka. Part one of the book largely talks about sustaining democracy in Sri Lanka where key emphasis is placed on giving impetus to multi-ethnic polity and ensuring continuity with change. It also helps identify critical areas of vulnerability, which could threaten breakdown and reflects on some desirable policies and actions taken to sustain democracy. Part two of the book deals with Sri Lanka moving towards a participatory democracy. The need to strengthen and improve institutional structure would be a cornerstone towards a smooth transition. The importance of local level, regional level and national level institutions forms a large section of the understanding along with civil society, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.