Sri Lankans sharply divided on abolishing executive presidency : research reveals

2 March 2026 12:40 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 19 Bookmark

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Colombo, March 2 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lankan population appear to be sharply divided on abolishing of the executive presidency, a research has revealed .

A survey conducted by Research Lanka had revealed that 50 percent of the population believes that executive presidency should be abolished while 50 percent of the population believes it should remain.

Nearly 80 percent of the population believes that the government will not introduce a new constitution while only 20 percent believes it will.

Also the research had revealed that 54 percent of Sri Lanka's population has an average knowledge on the constitution while 18.2 percent does not have any knowledge on it. The research had further revealed that 50 percent of Sri Lankans believe that the nation will never see a new constitution if the present government fails to bring in one.

Around 45.5 percent of the population believes a new constitution will strengthen democracy while 60 percent believes there is a need for a new constitution.

Comments - 19

Sapaya sapaya Monday, 02 March 2026 01:35 PM

Think of the expenses of an extra election that could very well bring someone inept and corrupt like GR into power. Not worth it. Abolish. Abolish. The only reason we keep it is because of idol cult mentality.

3 13

lokka Monday, 02 March 2026 03:02 PM

As long as AKD govern this country ,the presidency should remain , but not under any other political party.

9 9

Citizen Jayaweera Tuesday, 03 March 2026 02:09 AM

In theory this is a great thinking BUT how do you transition from an Executive Presidency to a Parliament System of Prime Minister immediately after AKD steps down from politics? There is no guarantee the next person will throw away this throne. Therefore, the change to Westminster system of Government has to happen now. Where, the Prime Minister is responsible to the parliamentary system of governance should be brought in not tomorrow BUT yesterday.

1 6

Yeah yeah Tuesday, 03 March 2026 04:45 PM

Yeah that is the plan. Collect enough wealth during this tenure so no other political party can compete with them.

0 0

Patcitz Monday, 02 March 2026 06:11 PM

Supporters of AKD should not attempt to derail the long-standing call to abolish the Proportional Representation (PR) system or the Executive Presidency by citing dubious statistics or questionable opinion polls. The abolition of the Executive Presidency was a central campaign promise of AKD, who has consistently criticized the Constitution introduced by J. R. Jayewardene. However, right now the NPP and its allies appear inclined to retain—and benefit from—the very constitutional framework they once vehemently opposed.

1 15

Realistica Adams Monday, 02 March 2026 07:19 PM

This government gave a commitment to abolish the Presidency and they have an obligation to do it, before the next elections. They have plenty of time to come up with a very good constitution and I trust them to deliver on that and many other promises made, before the next elections. They appear not to be taking baseless criticism and innuendo seriously, going about their jobs to deliver on their promises and dealing with crises well.

4 11

Prianka Nalin Seneviratne Monday, 02 March 2026 07:22 PM

What was the sample size and the sample demographics?

1 9

Dr Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 03 March 2026 08:52 AM

It is this big.

1 0

Realistica Adams Tuesday, 03 March 2026 11:46 AM

Big Pacha?

0 1

Ylg Tuesday, 03 March 2026 05:26 AM

Has anyone done a risk assessment on the change? Is it really viable to abolish it? Some one needs to do the facts and figures and prove the point. We are not in the medieval times to simply listen to someone's opinion. We need an educated analysis. The one's without need to keep quiet and drive around in your land cruiser.

1 3

TJ Tuesday, 03 March 2026 09:41 AM

Once they taste the power of executive presidency, they will be definitely reluctant to abolish it.

1 4

Jude Tuesday, 03 March 2026 10:30 AM

Executive presidency must be abolished. So is PC system and local government. Reduce MP's to 100 and 18 cabinet ministers.THE SAVINGS OVER 3 TRILLION PER YEAR AND GOVERNMENT NEVER HAVE TO BORROW THEREAFTER.

0 0

Jude Tuesday, 03 March 2026 10:32 AM

EP is total crap. And it's a colossal waste of money.

0 0

Jude Tuesday, 03 March 2026 10:34 AM

Mark my word, This government Will never abolish EP. Gam Battan loves this kind of power.

0 0

[email protected] Tuesday, 03 March 2026 11:35 AM

Don't worry, the hypocracy will outs hypocrats.

0 0

Sr Tuesday, 03 March 2026 02:16 PM

Exec.presidency is the right thing that has been done.Now conditions have changed. In future either this has to be continued or the govt. System will change to two group system like in US.The sizable minority population may lead to continuation of exec. Presidency. This is a consistent outcome. Due to misuse by some the system isnt at fault. As per pol.theory EXEC.PRESIDENCY....a brilliant fit for Hon.SL.

0 0

Fahim Mufakkir Muʿtazilah ✍️ Tuesday, 03 March 2026 02:18 PM

1. Political Exhaustion Across the Spectrum. Let us accept the realities on the ground. The people of Sri Lanka have exhausted both major and minor political parties. Whether large coalitions or small movements, the pattern remains unchanged. Elections rotate faces, but the structure remains intact. The crisis is not merely about individuals; it is systemic. 2. Sovereignty and Structural Reform If sovereignty truly belongs to the people, it should not be surrendered entirely to representatives once every five years. A constitutional shift toward a semi-direct democracy would allow citizens to retain decisive authority over fundamental national matters. Representation should serve the people, not replace their sovereignty. Continued..

0 0

Don't Abolish- Request by a S/B Tuesday, 03 March 2026 03:59 PM

Next step will be a Provisional election

0 1

Commies Tuesday, 03 March 2026 04:46 PM

Here comes the researches. Then comes the excuses. Finally the dobis unleashed. Aren't anyone tired of the same pattern?

0 0

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