Constitution of Sri Lanka
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka | |
| Purpose | National constitution |
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is the official document that outlines the fundamental laws and the structure of government in the island nation of Sri Lanka. It was promulgated in its original form on 7th of September 1978 by the National State Assembly.
Contents |
[edit] History of the Constitution
When the UNP came to power in July 1977 with a five-sixths majority, the second amendment to the 1972 Constitution was passed on 4 October 1977 to bring in the Executive Presidency, and Mr. J. R. Jayewardene, the then Prime Minister, became the first Executive President on 4 February 1978. Before the 1977 General Election the UNP also sought a mandate from the people to adopt a new Constitution. A Select Committee was appointed to consider the revision of the Constitution. The new Constitution, promulgated on the 7th of September 1978, provided for a unicameral Parliament with legislative power and an Executive President. The term of office of the President and of Parliament is six years. It also introduced a Proportional Representation system. The Parliament was to consist of 196 Members, but this was later increased to 225 by the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution.
The Constitution provided for an independent Judiciary and guaranteed Fundamental Rights, providing for any aggrieved person to invoke the Supreme Court for any violation of his rights. The Constitution also provided for a Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (Ombudsman) who could investigate public grievances against Government Institutions and State officers and give redress. It also introduced a Proportional Representation system, anti-defection laws, and referendums on certain Bills and on issues of national importance.
[edit] Provisions for amendment
The Constitution of Sri Lanka can be amended by a two-thirds majority and sometimes an approval at a national referendum.
[edit] Constitutional Amendments
- First Amendment
20.11.1978
Dealing with jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal
- Second Amendment
26.02.1979
Dealing with resignations and expulsion of Members of the First Parliament
- Third Amendment
27.08.1982
To enable the President to seek re-election after 4years; vacation of office of President
- Fourth Amendment
23.12.1982
Extension of term of First Parliament
- Fifth Amendment
25.02.1983
To provide for by-election when a vacancy is not filled by the party
- Sixth Amendment
08.08.1983
Prohibition against violation of territorial integrity
- Seventh Amendment
04.10.1983
Dealing with Commissioners of the High Court and the creation of Kilinochchi District
- Eighth Amendment
06.03.1984
Appointment of President's Counsel
- Ninth Amendment
24.08.1984
Relating to public officers qualified to contest elections
- Tenth Amendment
06.08.1986
To repeal section requiring two-thirds majority for Proclamation under Public Security Ordinance
- Eleventh Amendment
06.05.1987
To provide for a Fiscal for the whole Island; also relating to sittings of the Court of Appeal
- Twelfth Amendment
(Not enacted)
- Thirteenth Amendment
14.11.1987
To make Tamil an official language and English a link Language, and for the establishment of Provincial Councils
- Fourteenth Amendment
24.05.1988
Extension of immunity of President; increase of number of Members to 225; validity of Referendum; appointment of Delimitation Commission for the division of electoral districts into zones; proportional representation and the cut-off point to be 1/8th of the total polled; apportionment of the 29 National List Members
- Fifteenth Amendment
17.12.1988
to repeal Article 96A to eliminate zones and to reduce the cut-off point to 1/20th
- Sixteenth Amendment
17.12.1988
to make provision for Sinhala and Tamil to be Languages of Administration and Legislation
- Seventeenth Amendment
03.10.2001
to make provisions for the Constitutional Council and Independent Commissions.
[edit] External links
- Website of the Government of Sri Lanka — Constitution of Sri Lanka
- Website of the Government of Sri Lanka — Constitution of Sri Lanka (Without Amendments)
- 1972 Sri Lanka Constitution
- 6th Amendment to 1978 Sri Lanka Constitution
- 7th Amendment to 1978 Sri Lanka Constitution
- 13th Amendment to 1978 Sri Lanka Constitution
- 16th Amendment to 1978 Sri Lanka Constitution
- 17th Amendment to 1978 Sri Lanka Constitution
