The dissertation "Diaspora-Development-Nexus: the case of Sri Lankan Tamil Persons" examines the interactions between the second diaspora generation in Germany and locals in Sri Lanka regarding development processes in their country of origin. Based on an ethnographic approach and applying grounded theory and the interface approach, the role of power relations in these dynamics is examined. 

Diaspora actors can play a complex role in supporting "development" in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, through their financial, cultural and social capital. In addition to intended effects, there are always unintended consequences, not least because parts of the diaspora claim to be able to speak for all members of the very heterogeneous community. Therefore, one goal of the project is to capture the diversity of the Tamil community, in Sri Lanka and Germany, including its narratives, goals, resources, activities and strategies regarding a "desirable life" in social, economic and political terms. 

The study examines 130 committed people from Germany in the second generation, committed and non-committed Tamil people in Sri Lanka. The data used are interviews, group discussions and participant observation. The different framework conditions, visions of the future, narratives, activities and strategies of the actors in relation to development in Sri Lanka are examined. With the help of the interface approach, it is shown how the different perspectives and ways of acting arise and are negotiated. 

The thesis thus contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between diaspora and locals to development and shows how local and global power structures influence these dynamics. In an increasingly globalised world, Tamil society is an example of how transnational societies can look and act. The study may have implications for other diasporic communities and development cooperation actors.