What Is 19th amendment to SL Constitution

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 19th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, enacted in 2015, introduced key changes to strengthen independent commissions and limit presidential powers. It was passed by Parliament on April 22, 2015, and received Presidential Assent on April 27, 2015.

Key Facts

The 19th Amendment was passed on April 22, 2015, and received Presidential Assent on April 27, 2015
It reduced the powers of the President and re-established a two-term limit
Independent commissions such as the Elections Commission were strengthened
The Constitutional Council was re-established to oversee key appointments
The President's power to dissolve Parliament was restricted until after 4.5 years

Overview

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka marked a significant shift toward constitutional governance and democratic reform. Enacted in 2015, it reversed many of the expansive powers granted to the executive under the 18th Amendment and aimed to restore checks and balances.

Introduced after the change in government following the January 2015 presidential election, the amendment sought to address concerns about authoritarian drift. It was widely supported across party lines as a step toward depoliticizing state institutions and enhancing transparency.

Enactment Date: The 19th Amendment was passed by Parliament on April 22, 2015, and received Presidential Assent on April 27, 2015.
Presidential Term Limits: It reinstated a two-term limit for the President, reversing the unlimited re-election provision of the 18th Amendment.
Power Reduction: The President lost the unilateral power to appoint key officials, including judges, the Attorney General, and election commissioners.
Constitutional Council: A 10-member Constitutional Council was re-established to recommend appointments to independent commissions.
Parliamentary Dissolution: The President can now dissolve Parliament only after 4.5 years of its first sitting, preventing premature dissolutions.

How It Works

The 19th Amendment restructured executive authority and institutional independence through specific procedural and appointment reforms. It aimed to create a more balanced governance model by involving multiple stakeholders in key decisions.

Term: The President is limited to two terms in office, with each term lasting six years, restoring democratic accountability and preventing long-term consolidation of power.
Appointments: The Constitutional Council screens and recommends candidates for independent commissions, and the President must act on its advice.
Independent Commissions: Bodies like the Elections Commission, Public Service Commission, and Human Rights Commission gained greater autonomy and protection from political interference.
Removal of Commissioners: Commissioners can only be removed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament, ensuring job security and impartiality.
Prime Minister’s Role: The Prime Minister was given enhanced authority, particularly in coordinating policy and advising on key appointments.
Repeal of 18th Amendment: The 19th Amendment effectively repealed most provisions of the 18th Amendment, which had centralized power in the presidency.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key executive powers under the 18th and 19th Amendments to Sri Lanka's Constitution.

Feature	18th Amendment (2010)	19th Amendment (2015)
Presidential Term	No term limits	Limited to two terms
Power to Dissolve Parliament	Anytime after one year	Only after 4.5 years
Appointments	President could appoint unilaterally	Requires Constitutional Council recommendation
Independent Commissions	Weak autonomy	Strengthened, with secure tenure
Removal of Officials	President could remove easily	Requires two-thirds parliamentary majority

This shift marked a return to a more parliamentary form of governance, reducing the risk of authoritarianism and promoting institutional independence. The 19th Amendment was seen as a democratic corrective after years of centralized power.

Why It Matters

The 19th Amendment had far-reaching implications for governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Sri Lanka. It represented a consensus-driven effort to restore democratic norms and limit executive overreach.

Democratic Safeguard: By reinstating term limits, the amendment prevented the entrenchment of a single leader beyond two terms.
Institutional Integrity: Independent commissions gained credibility through transparent and consultative appointment processes.
Reduced Presidential Power: The President no longer holds unchecked authority over appointments and dissolutions.
Enhanced Oversight: The Constitutional Council includes members from diverse sectors, promoting pluralism in governance.
Public Confidence: Civil society groups and international observers praised the amendment for advancing democratic reforms.
Legal Precedent: The amendment set a benchmark for future constitutional changes, emphasizing accountability and balance.

Although later superseded by the 20th Amendment in 2020, which rolled back some reforms, the 19th Amendment remains a landmark in Sri Lanka’s constitutional history for its commitment to democratic principles.