Parliament of Sri Lanka

The Parliament of Sri Lanka is the supreme legislative body of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It is situated in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, which serves as the country's administrative capital, while Colombo functions as the commercial capital. The Parliament is a critical component of the Government of Sri Lanka, which operates under a semi-presidential system. This structure allows for a balance of power between the President of Sri Lanka and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

Historical Background

The history of the Sri Lankan Parliament can be traced back to the British colonial era, with the establishment of the Legislative Council of Ceylon in 1833. Following independence in 1948, the Parliament replaced the State Council under the Soulbury Constitution, which marked the shift towards a parliamentary democracy. Over the years, the Parliament has evolved in tandem with Sri Lanka's political developments, including the enactment of the 1978 Constitution, which established the country as a republic.

Structure and Function

The Parliament of Sri Lanka is unicameral, comprised of 225 members. These members are elected through a proportional representation system, which aims to ensure that the political distribution in Parliament reflects the votes cast by the electorate. The Parliament performs essential functions such as enacting laws, scrutinizing the work of the executive branch, and debating national policies.

The presiding officer of the Parliament is the Speaker of the Parliament, supported by the Deputy Speaker and Assistant Speakers. The Speaker manages the proceedings of the Parliament and ensures that all parliamentary rules and protocols are followed.

Elections and Political Parties

Elections to the Parliament are held every five years, following the dissolution of a sitting Parliament. Sri Lanka has a multi-party system, with several political parties contesting for seats. The dominant parties have traditionally included the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, the United National Party, and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

Legislative Process

The legislative process in the Parliament involves several stages. A bill is first introduced in the House, usually by a member of the Cabinet. It goes through multiple readings, debates, and committee stages before it is voted on. If passed by a majority, it is presented to the President for assent. Upon receiving presidential assent, the bill becomes law.

Challenges and Reforms

The Parliament of Sri Lanka has faced numerous challenges, including issues of corruption, inefficiency, and political violence, particularly during the Sri Lankan Civil War from 1983 to 2009. Efforts at reform have included constitutional amendments aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and the rule of law within the legislative process.