What Is 14th Parliament of Sri Lanka

Overview

The 14th Parliament of Sri Lanka is the current national legislature, elected on August 5, 2020, following a parliamentary election that reshaped the country's political landscape. This election was called after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa dissolved the 13th Parliament in March 2020, exercising his constitutional authority under Article 70 of the Sri Lankan Constitution. The timing of the election was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing the original April date to August, making it the first major national election held globally during the pandemic.

The 14th Parliament emerged in a period of heightened political centralization, with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) securing a dominant majority. The SLPP, led by President Rajapaksa and his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, won 145 out of 225 seats, giving them a supermajority capable of passing constitutional amendments. This victory was built on a nationalist platform emphasizing security, economic recovery, and post-war unity, capitalizing on public sentiment following the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.

The significance of the 14th Parliament lies in its role in consolidating executive power and advancing constitutional reforms. With the SLPP controlling both the presidency and parliament, the government moved swiftly to appoint key allies to ministerial positions, including Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister. This period also saw increased scrutiny over democratic norms, as opposition parties struggled to challenge the ruling coalition effectively, raising concerns about checks and balances in Sri Lanka’s semi-presidential system.

How It Works

The 14th Parliament operates under Sri Lanka’s unicameral parliamentary system, where all 225 members are elected through a mixed electoral model combining proportional representation and preferential voting. The term of parliament is constitutionally set at five years, but it can be dissolved earlier by the President under specific conditions, as occurred with the 13th Parliament in 2020.

• Term: The 14th Parliament began on August 20, 2020, following the swearing-in of members. Its constitutional term is five years, meaning it is expected to last until 2025, unless dissolved earlier by presidential proclamation.
• Electoral System: 196 members are elected from 22 multi-member electoral districts using an open-list proportional system, while 29 are allocated nationally based on party vote share to ensure proportional representation.
• Majority Requirement: A party or coalition needs at least 113 seats to form a majority government. The SLPP’s 145 seats gave it a commanding lead.
• Leadership: The Speaker of Parliament is Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, elected on August 20, 2020, who oversees parliamentary proceedings and maintains order.
• Legislative Function: Parliament is responsible for passing laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the executive branch through committees and question hours.
• Constitutional Role: With a two-thirds majority, the SLPP can amend the Constitution, which became a point of contention due to proposed changes enhancing presidential powers.
• Opposition: The main opposition party is the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), led by Sajith Premadasa, which won 50 seats, becoming the second-largest group.

Key Details and Comparisons

The comparison highlights a dramatic shift in political alignment between the 13th and 14th Parliaments. While the 13th was marked by a coalition between the UNP and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) under a power-sharing agreement, the 14th Parliament reflects a return to centralized authority under the Rajapaksa family. The SLPP’s 59.1% vote share in 2020 was the highest for any party since 1977, indicating strong public support for its nationalist agenda. In contrast, the 13th Parliament was characterized by internal conflict and frequent deadlock due to the strained relationship between President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe. The 14th Parliament, by contrast, has operated with greater cohesion, though critics argue this comes at the cost of pluralism and dissent.

Real-World Examples

The 14th Parliament has been central to several high-profile legislative and political developments. One of the most controversial was the passage of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution in October 2020, which reinstated many executive powers to the presidency, reversing reforms introduced in 2015. This amendment allowed the President to appoint and dismiss ministers without parliamentary approval and weakened independent commissions, drawing criticism from human rights groups.

Another example includes the government’s response to the economic crisis that intensified in 2022, where parliament faced scrutiny for failing to pass timely reforms to address inflation and foreign exchange shortages. The resignation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in May 2022 amid mass protests underscored the parliament’s role in political accountability.

1. Passage of the 20th Amendment – Expanded presidential powers and reduced oversight.
2. Appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister – Despite opposition concerns over nepotism.
3. Handling of the 2022 economic crisis – Parliament delayed critical IMF negotiation approvals.
4. Swearing-in of 225 MPs – Conducted under strict health protocols due to the pandemic.

Why It Matters

The 14th Parliament of Sri Lanka plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s governance, economy, and democratic trajectory. Its decisions have far-reaching consequences, not only for policy but also for the balance of power within the state.

• Impact: The SLPP’s supermajority enables unilateral constitutional changes, potentially weakening democratic safeguards.
• Executive Power: Strengthening of the presidency risks undermining parliamentary sovereignty.
• Economic Policy: Parliament’s approval of budgets and loans is crucial during the ongoing financial crisis.
• Human Rights: Legislative actions affect minority rights and post-war reconciliation efforts.
• Public Trust: Perceptions of corruption and nepotism have fueled public protests and eroded confidence.

As Sri Lanka navigates economic instability and demands for reform, the 14th Parliament remains at the center of national discourse. Its ability to balance strong leadership with inclusive governance will determine the country’s democratic resilience in the years ahead.