What Is 15th Parliament of Sri Lanka

Overview

The 15th Parliament of Sri Lanka refers to the legislative body elected in the August 5, 2020 parliamentary election, a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape. This election was called early by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who dissolved the 14th Parliament in March 2020, aiming to consolidate his administration’s authority amid a shifting political environment. The 15th Parliament marked a significant realignment in Sri Lankan politics, as the newly formed Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) secured a dominant majority, reshaping governance and policy direction.

Comprising 225 members, this unicameral legislature was elected through a mixed electoral system combining proportional representation and preferential voting. The election occurred during the global COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced campaigning and voter turnout, which stood at 58.5%—lower than previous elections due to health concerns and public restrictions. Despite these challenges, the election proceeded under strict safety protocols, reflecting the resilience of Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions.

The formation of the 15th Parliament was historically significant because it marked the first time the SLPP, a party closely aligned with the Rajapaksa family, achieved an outright majority. This allowed Mahinda Rajapaksa, brother of the President, to return as Prime Minister, a role he previously held from 2004 to 2015. The SLPP’s dominance enabled swift legislative action but also raised concerns about reduced opposition influence and democratic checks, setting the stage for both ambitious reforms and growing public discontent.

How It Works

The 15th Parliament operated under Sri Lanka’s constitutional parliamentary system, where Members of Parliament (MPs) are responsible for lawmaking, oversight of the executive, and national representation. The term and functioning of this legislature were defined by the country’s 1978 Constitution, which outlines electoral cycles, parliamentary procedures, and the balance of power between the President and Parliament.

• Term: The 15th Parliament had a constitutional term of five years, but it was dissolved prematurely in 2022 due to political and economic turmoil. Its official term began on August 20, 2020, following the swearing-in of elected MPs.
• Electoral System: The 225 seats were allocated across 22 multi-member electoral districts (196 seats) and a national list (29 seats), using an open-list proportional representation system.
• Leadership: The Speaker of Parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, was elected on August 20, 2020, presiding over sessions and maintaining parliamentary order.
• Legislative Process: Bills required approval from a simple majority, though constitutional amendments needed a two-thirds majority and, in some cases, a public referendum.
• Executive Influence: The President appointed the Prime Minister from the majority party, and the Cabinet was drawn from Parliament, blending legislative and executive roles.
• Opposition Role: The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) became the main opposition with 54 seats, tasked with scrutinizing government actions and proposing alternative policies.
• Committees: Over 20 parliamentary committees were established to review legislation, budgets, and public administration, enhancing oversight functions.

Key Details and Comparisons

The comparison reveals a dramatic shift in political dynamics. While the 14th Parliament was characterized by a fractured majority and power-sharing tensions between President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, the 15th Parliament saw a centralized power structure under the Rajapaksa brothers. The SLPP’s overwhelming majority reduced legislative gridlock but also diminished bipartisan cooperation. Lower voter turnout in 2020 reflected public disillusionment and pandemic-related apathy, contrasting sharply with the high engagement seen in 2015, which followed the end of the Rajapaksa era. Additionally, the return of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister marked a political comeback, underscoring dynastic influence in Sri Lankan politics.

Real-World Examples

The 15th Parliament passed several landmark laws and faced major national crises. One of its earliest actions was the approval of tax reductions and economic stimulus measures in late 2020, aimed at reviving the pandemic-hit economy. However, these policies, combined with reduced revenue, contributed to a growing fiscal deficit. In 2021, the government controversially banned inorganic fertilizers to promote organic farming—a decision driven by Parliament-approved directives—which severely impacted rice and vegetable production, leading to food shortages.

1. The 20th Amendment to the Constitution was passed in October 2020, restoring presidential powers weakened after 2015, including the ability to dissolve Parliament after four and a half years.
2. Parliament approved the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill in 2021, establishing a special economic zone with tax incentives to attract foreign investment.
3. During the 2022 economic crisis, MPs voted on emergency regulations to control inflation and import restrictions amid severe fuel and medicine shortages.
4. The Speaker invoked emergency powers to conduct virtual sessions during pandemic peaks, a first in Sri Lankan parliamentary history.

Why It Matters

The 15th Parliament played a crucial role in shaping modern Sri Lanka, both through its legislative output and the consequences of its policy decisions. Its tenure coincided with one of the worst economic crises in the country’s history, culminating in mass protests and the resignation of key leaders. Understanding its impact helps illuminate the interplay between governance, public trust, and economic policy.

• Impact: The concentration of power in the SLPP-led government limited opposition influence, weakening accountability mechanisms.
• Economic Policy: Tax cuts and populist spending approved by Parliament contributed to a fiscal deficit that exceeded 11% of GDP by 2022.
• Constitutional Changes: The 20th Amendment significantly altered governance, increasing presidential authority at the expense of parliamentary oversight.
• Public Trust: Controversial decisions, such as the fertilizer ban, eroded public confidence and fueled anti-government protests in 2022.
• International Relations: Parliamentary support for foreign investment laws, including the Port City project, drew both investment and criticism over transparency and sovereignty.
• Democratic Resilience: Despite turmoil, Parliament remained a functioning institution, adapting to virtual sessions and maintaining legislative continuity.

In conclusion, the 15th Parliament of Sri Lanka was a defining chapter in the nation’s democratic journey. While it achieved legislative efficiency under a strong majority, its legacy is intertwined with economic mismanagement and social unrest. Its dissolution in 2022 marked not just the end of a parliamentary term, but a turning point in Sri Lanka’s political evolution, emphasizing the need for balanced governance and responsive institutions.