Sri Lanka's NPP government pursues major constitutional reforms

The ruling National People's Power (NPP) government in Sri Lanka is pursuing significant constitutional reforms to address long-standing governance issues. NPP General Secretary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe stated that the administration intends to use the drafting of a new Constitution to resolve contentious debates regarding the abolition of the Executive Presidency and the future of the Provincial Council system, rather than relying on piecemeal policy changes.

Amidst these reform efforts, the government has dismissed allegations of internal division regarding the proposed 22nd Amendment. Despite claims from the Opposition that Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and several Members of Parliament are at odds with the government's position, officials maintain that the ruling bloc remains cohesive and possesses the necessary support to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

The NPP, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, rose to power following the 2022 economic crisis and a sovereign debt default. The administration continues to frame its mandate around systemic change, aiming to replace the previous political culture with one focused on accountability and the reduction of concentrated executive power.