A new constitution was passed on August 31, 1978, fundamentally transforming Sri Lanka’s governance system. It replaced the Westminster-style parliamentary system with an executive presidency modeled on the French and American systems. J.R. Jayewardene became the first Executive President of Sri Lanka on February 4, 1978. The new constitution granted the president extensive powers, including the ability to dissolve parliament, appoint the prime minister and cabinet, and serve as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
1978 AD
Second Republican Constitution
A new constitution was passed on August 31, 1978, fundamentally transforming Sri Lanka's governance system. It replaced the Westminster-style parliamentary system with an executive presidency modeled on the French and American systems. J.R. Jayewardene became the first Executive President of Sri Lanka on February 4, 1978. The new constitution granted the president extensive powers, including the ability to dissolve parliament, appoint the prime minister and cabinet, and serve as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.