This comprehensive volume provides uniquely diverse insights into various aspects of decentralization and development from both developed and developing countries, with special reference to Sri Lanka. For a quarter century, Sri Lanka was battered by its prolonged civil war, which ended in 2009, but has now achieved relative peace and stability. Having developed rapidly, Sri Lanka offers a classic example for developing countries. There is, however, a strong need, particularly in the context of postwar conflict, to formulate policies for reconciliation, peace building, and development at all levels-local, provincial, and national.

1. Chapter 1: Introduction.- Part one.- Chapter 2: Local Government System in Sri Lanka: A Historical Overview.- Chapter 3: Developmental Role and Financing of Sub-National Units of Government: The Case of Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka.-   Chapter 4: Intergovernmental Fiscal Framework for Local Government and Centre-Local Revenue and Expenditure Sharing: A Comparative Analysis.- Chapter 5: Towards an Appropriate Public Local Government Unit for Sri Lanka.- Part two.- Chapter 6: Agriculture and Rural Development under Central Government and Provincial Council Setup in Sri Lanka.-  Chapter 7: Sustainable Resource Mobilization for Community Development in Sri Lanka: LEAD Participatory Poverty Reduction Experience.-  Chapter 8: Public Investment in Education: Benefits, Challenges and Opportunities.- Chapter 8: Public Investment in Education: Benefits, Challenges and Opportunities.- Chapter 10: Post Conflict Foreign Policy Challenges for Sri Lanka.- Part three.- Chapter 11: Role of Local Institutions in the Development of Industrial Clusters.- Chapter 12: Decentralization of Natural Resources Management in ASEAN.- Chapter 13: Fiscal Decentralisation and Economic Growth: Evidence from Vietnam.-  Chapter 14: Education Expenditure and Economic Growth under Decentralization: An Empirical Study of Sri Lanka and Canada.-  Chapter 15: Japanese Local Tax System and Decentralization.