Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament on Thursday (December 19) that the government has begun taking necessary steps to abolish Sri Lanka’s executive presidential system, establish a parliamentary form of government, and appoint a President without executive powers, alongside efforts to hold long-delayed Provincial Council elections.
Responding to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa under Standing Order 27/2, the Prime Minister said a new Constitution is currently being drafted, in line with the government’s *Rich Country, Beautiful Life* policy framework. She said the draft Constitution would be presented to the public, revised following broad dialogue, and eventually submitted to a referendum. Reports of previous constitutional reform committees are also being reviewed, after which a basic concept paper will be presented to the Cabinet.
Dr. Amarasuriya stressed that the executive presidency cannot be abolished without a new Constitution and said studies are under way on the process and legal framework required. While the government is focused on addressing urgent national issues, work on constitutional reform is progressing, with timelines to be announced in the future.
On Provincial Council elections, the Prime Minister said polls have been delayed due to unresolved delimitation issues under the Provincial Council Elections (Amendment) Act No. 17 of 2017. She said studies are under way to determine whether elections should be held after completing delimitation or through amending the existing law. Provisions have already been allocated in the 2026 Budget to conduct the elections.
She also informed Parliament that new laws and amendments required to establish an independent Public Prosecution Service are currently under study.
