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.