Politics & Government Guide in Sri Lanka

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Sri Lanka's left-wing NPP government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake since September 2024, secured a supermajority in parliament following the November 2024 elections. Despite promises of systemic change including constitutional reform and anti-corruption measures, the administration has largely continued prior economic policies with only cosmetic reforms. Centralized power persists amid ongoing human rights concerns.

Government Type

Presidential republic

Legal System

Mixed legal system of Roman-Dutch civil law and English common law

Head of State

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake(since 2024)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya(National People's Power)since 2024

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Lower House:Parliament (225 seats)

Major Political Parties

National People's Power(NPP)

Left-wing

159 seats

Voting Rights

Universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and above

Recent Developments

NPP won supermajority in November 2024 parliamentary elections with 61.56% of the vote
Proceeds of Crime Act No.5 passed in 2025 as key anti-corruption legislation
Continued previous government's macroeconomic policies with limited systemic reforms
Pledge to abolish executive presidency and Prevention of Terrorism Act remains unfulfilled

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution1978

Provinces9