The President of Sri Lanka is the head of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Sri Lanka has an executive presidential system where the president plays a significant role in governance. Here’s an overview of the process for electing the president and related aspects:
1. Election Process
A. Direct Election by Citizens:
- The President of Sri Lanka is elected directly by the people through a national election.
- The election uses a preferential voting system:
- Voters rank candidates in order of preference (1st choice, 2nd choice, etc.).
- If no candidate wins more than 50% of first-choice votes, the preferences are counted to determine the winner.
B. Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible to run for the presidency:
- A candidate must be a Sri Lankan citizen by birth.
- Be at least 35 years old.
- Be qualified to be elected as a Member of Parliament.
- Cannot have dual citizenship.
2. Term of Office
- The president serves a 5-year term and can be re-elected for one additional term (as per the 20th Amendment to the Constitution).
- Before the 19th Amendment, a president could serve unlimited terms, but the amendment limited it to two terms, which was later reversed by the 20th Amendment.
3. Powers of the President
- Executive Powers: The president appoints the Prime Minister, ministers, and other key officials.
- Legislative Role: The president can summon, prorogue, and dissolve Parliament (subject to constitutional limits).
- Judicial Powers: The president has the authority to grant pardons.
- Defense: As the commander-in-chief, the president oversees the armed forces.
4. Removal from Office
The president can be removed through:
- Impeachment: If a resolution is passed in Parliament by a two-thirds majority, the president can be impeached for incapacity or misconduct.
- Resignation: The president can resign by submitting a written letter to the Speaker of Parliament.
5. In Case of a Vacancy
If the presidency becomes vacant due to resignation, death, or removal:
- Parliament elects a new president from among its members to serve the remaining term. This is done through a secret ballot.
6. Recent Changes and Reforms
- Sri Lanka’s political landscape has seen several amendments to its Constitution affecting presidential powers, including:
- The 19th Amendment (2015): Reduced presidential powers and strengthened parliamentary control.
- The 20th Amendment (2020): Restored significant powers to the presidency, including the ability to dissolve Parliament after one year and make key appointments.
Example: 2022 Crisis and Presidential Election
- Following the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, Parliament elected Ranil Wickremesinghe as president to serve the remainder of the term.
Significance of the Presidential Role
The president’s position is central to Sri Lanka’s governance. However, the balance of power between the president, Parliament, and the judiciary has been a point of debate and reform in Sri Lankan politics.
