Sri Lanka and its Democracy

A Historical Overview

Sri Lanka, an island nation with a rich cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity, has experienced a dynamic and evolving political landscape. From the colonial era to modern-day governance, Sri Lanka’s journey toward democracy is marked by significant constitutional developments and electoral reforms. This article explores the major constitutions from 1833 to 1978, their amendments, and the critical role of proportional representation (PR) in ensuring that all communities, especially minorities, have a voice in the country’s political process.

Photo by Shane Kurera on Unsplash

The Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms (1833): Laying the Foundations

The Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms of 1833 were the first significant attempt to formalize governance in Sri Lanka under British rule. These reforms unified the administration and established the Executive and Legislative Councils, marking the beginning of a centralized colonial administration.

• Significance: The Legislative Council, though largely advisory and dominated by British officials, was a crucial first step toward involving locals in governance. However, representation was limited to the elite, leaving the majority of the population, particularly the Sinhalese and Tamil communities, without a significant voice.