8th Parliament of Sri Lanka

8th Parliament of Sri Lanka
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The New Parliament building at Kotte
Overview
Legislative body	Parliament of Sri Lanka
Term	04 August 1977 – 20 December 1988
Election	21 July 1977
Senior parliamentarians
Speaker	Anandatissa de Alwis, UNP (1977–78) Abdul Bakeer Markar, UNP (1978–83) E. L. Senanayake, UNP (1983–88)
Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees	M. A. Bakeer Markar, UNP (1977–78) Norman Waidyaratne, UNP (1978–88)
Deputy Chairman of Committees	Edmund Samarawickrema, UNP
Prime Minister	J. R. Jayewardene, UNP (1977–78) Ranasinghe Premadasa, UNP (1978–89)
Leader of the Opposition	A. Amirthalingam, TULF (1977–83) Anura Bandaranaike, SLFP (1983–88)
Leader of the House	Ranasinghe Premadasa, UNP (1977–88) Ranil Wickremesinghe, UNP (1989)
Chief Government Whip	Vincent Perera, UNP
Chief Opposition Whip	X. M. Sellathambu, TULF (1977–83) Lakshman Jayakody, SLFP (1983–89)
Structure
Sessions
1st 04 August 1977 – 26 March 1982 2nd 29 April 1982 – 07 January 1983 3rd 06 February 1983 – 19 January 1984 4th 23 February 1984 – 25 January 1985 5th 20 February 1985 – 31 January 1986 6th 20 February 1986 – 27 January 1987 7th 19 February 1987 – 22 January 1988 8th 25 February 1988 – 20 December 1988

The 8th Parliament of Sri Lanka, known officially as the 1st Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, was a meeting of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, with the membership determined by the results of the 1977 parliamentary election held on 21 July 1977 and first convened on 4 August 1977. It remained in session until its dissolution on 20 December 1988, making it the longest-serving Parliament in Sri Lankan history. ^{[1] [2]}

Dominated by the United National Party (UNP) under the leadership of J.R. Jayewardene, this Parliament is widely regarded as one of the most influential in the country’s political history. It oversaw the transition from a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy to an Executive presidential system with the adoption of the Second Republican Constitution in 1978, and it played a central role in shaping Sri Lanka’s modern political and constitutional framework. Because of its unprecedented longevity consisting of Eight Parliamentary sessions and far-reaching impact, some historians refer to it as the "Long Parliament" of Sri Lanka. ^[3]

At the 1977 general election, the United National Party (UNP) led by J.R. Jayewardene achieved a historic landslide victory, winning 140 out of 168 seats, thereby securing a supermajority of 5⁄6 seats in Parliament. Following the election, Jayewardene was appointed Prime Minister, and using the overwhelming parliamentary majority, his government passed the Second Amendment to the 1972 Constitution, which enabled him to assume office as Sri Lanka’s first Executive President on 4 February 1978, marking a pivotal shift in the nation’s system of governance. ^[4]

In 1982, the Parliament’s term, originally set to expire in 1983, was extended by six more years through a national referendum held on 22 December 1982. This was the first and only referendum of its kind in Sri Lanka’s history, and it allowed the existing Parliament to continue without holding a general election. The move, initiated by President J.R. Jayewardene and backed by the UNP’s supermajority, was widely debated and criticized by opposition parties and civil society groups, who viewed it as a blow to democratic norms.

Background

The period leading up to the 1977 general election in Sri Lanka was marked by significant political, economic, and social unrest. The ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), led by Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, had been in power since 1970 after winning a sweeping victory under the United Front coalition. During its term, the government pursued a program of socialist economic reforms, including widespread nationalization, state control over major industries, and restrictions on imports, which led to shortages of essential goods, rising unemployment, and increasing public dissatisfaction.

In 1972, the government adopted a new republican constitution, replacing the Dominion of Ceylon with the Republic of Sri Lanka. The 1972 Constitution created a unicameral National State Assembly, centralized power significantly, and eliminated many of the safeguards that had existed under the Westminster system. While intended to assert national sovereignty and independence, the constitutional changes also led to criticisms of growing authoritarianism and a weakening of institutional checks and balances.

Amidst growing economic hardship, food scarcity, and political repression, public confidence in the SLFP government began to erode. Ethnic tensions between the Sinhala majority and Tamil minority also worsened during this period, particularly with the introduction of policies such as the Sinhala Only Act and university standardization, which disproportionately affected Tamil students and professionals. ^{[5] [6]}

In this climate of unrest, the United National Party (UNP), under the leadership of J.R. Jayewardene, campaigned on a platform of economic liberalization, administrative reform, and ethnic reconciliation. The party promised to restore stability, open up the economy, and create job opportunities through free-market policies. The UNP also pledged to restore democracy by curbing excessive state control and introducing a more efficient system of governance.

These factors contributed to a dramatic shift in voter sentiment, culminating in the 1977 general election, which saw the UNP achieve an overwhelming victory and the SLFP suffer a historic defeat, winning only a handful of seats. The outcome marked a decisive turning point in Sri Lankan political history and laid the groundwork for major constitutional and structural changes in the years that followed.

1977 General Election

The 8th parliamentary general election in Sri Lanka was held on 21 July 1977 to elect members to the National State Assembly, which later became the 1st Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The election took place amidst widespread public discontent with the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), and resulted in a landslide victory for the opposition United National Party (UNP) led by Junius Richard Jayewardene. ^{[7] [8]}

Results

The UNP secured 140 out of 168 seats, gaining more than 83% of the seats in Parliament—a supermajority of over five-sixths. This was the largest parliamentary majority ever achieved in a Sri Lankan election. The SLFP, which had held 91 seats after the 1970 election, suffered a crushing defeat, winning only 8 seats. The Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), advocating for Tamil rights and autonomy, emerged as the main opposition party with 18 seats, marking the first time a Tamil nationalist party held that role in Parliament. ^[9]

Other leftist parties such as the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and the Communist Party of Sri Lanka also suffered major losses. Many prominent ministers of the previous government lost their parliamentary seats.

This was also the last general election held under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system, before it was replaced by a system of proportional representation (PR) under the 1978 Constitution.

The 1977 General election was the only one ever held under the 1972 constitution. ^[10]

Party		Votes	%	Seats
	United National Party	3,179,221	50.92	140
	Sri Lanka Freedom Party	1,855,331	29.72	8
	Tamil United Liberation Front	421,488	6.75	18
	Lanka Sama Samaja Party	225,317	3.61	0
	Communist Party of Sri Lanka	123,856	1.98	0
	Ceylon Workers' Congress	62,707	1.00	1
	Mahajana Eksath Peramuna	22,639	0.36	0
	Independents	353,014	5.65	1
Total		6,243,573	100.00	168
Registered voters/turnout		6,667,589	–
Source: Kusaka Research Institute

Following the election, J.R. Jayewardene was sworn in as Prime Minister on 23 July 1977 by President William Gopallawa, and the new Parliament convened on 4 August 1977. With an overwhelming mandate, the UNP government moved swiftly to implement sweeping political and constitutional reforms.

Jayawardene was appointed as Prime Minister on 23 July 1977, by President William Gopallawa.

Legislation & Constitutional Changes

The 1st Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was one of the most legislatively active and transformative in the country’s history. Empowered by a supermajority, the United National Party (UNP) government, led by J.R. Jayewardene, passed several landmark constitutional amendments and introduced significant structural reforms that reshaped Sri Lanka’s political system, electoral process, and ethnic relations.

Second Amendment to the 1972 Constitution (1977)

Shortly after assuming office, the government introduced the Second Amendment to the 1972 Constitution, which allowed the Prime Minister to assume the newly created office of Executive President. This amendment set the stage for the transition from a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy to a presidential system, centralizing executive power in a directly elected Head of State. Under its Provisions, Prime Minister Jayawardene assumed the office of the President of Sri Lanka on 4 February 1978, succeeding William Gopallawa. Two days later, he appointed Ranasinghe Premadasa as the new Prime Minister.

Second Republican Constitution of 1978

On 7 September 1978, the Second Republican Constitution was adopted, replacing the 1972 Constitution and officially renaming the country the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The new Constitution:

• Established an Executive Presidency with wide-ranging powers. ^{[11] [12]}
• Introduced a Proportional Representation (PR) system for parliamentary elections, replacing the previous first-past-the-post (FPTP) system.
• Created an independent judiciary with a Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
• Enshrined fundamental rights for citizens.
• Changed the legislative body from the National State Assembly to the Parliament of Sri Lanka .

This Constitution, while seen as modernizing the political system, also concentrated substantial power in the executive, raising concerns over accountability and democratic checks and balances.

Third Amendment (1982)

In 1982, the Third Amendment was passed, allowing a sitting President to seek re-election after completing four years in office, rather than serving the full six-year term. ^{[13] [14]} This enabled President Jayewardene to call an early presidential election, which was held on 20 October 1982. He was re-elected for a second term, defeating the SLFP’s Hector Kobbekaduwa. ^[15]

1982 Referendum

Later that year, the government held the first and only national referendum on 22 December 1982, seeking public approval to extend the life of Parliament by six more years without holding a general election. The referendum narrowly passed, allowing the existing Parliament—originally elected in 1977—to remain in office until 1989, avoiding the scheduled 1983 general election. This move was criticized by opposition parties and civil society as a blow to democratic tradition and electoral accountability.

J. R. Jayawardene became the Prime Minister in 1977, before the introduction of the Executive Presidency and assumption of office as the 1st Executive President of Sri Lanka.

Sixth Amendment (1983)

Following the Black July riots of 1983 and escalating tensions with Tamil separatist movements, the government enacted the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution on 6 August 1983. This amendment required all Members of Parliament and public officials to take an oath renouncing support for a separate state. As a result, the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) MPs led by the Leader of the Opposition, A. Amirthalingam, who had campaigned for Tamil self-determination, refused to take the oath and forfeited their seats in Parliament. ^{[16] [17]} The amendment aimed to uphold the unitary status of Sri Lanka but was seen by many Tamils as repressive and undemocratic. Due to this incident, Sri Lanka Freedom Party led by Anura Bandaranaike became the official opposition. The Government decided not to hold By-elections for the vacated seats of TULF MPs, keeping them vacant until the Dissolution of Parliament in 1988.

Indo–Lanka Accord and the 13th Amendment (1987)

Amid growing ethnic violence and international pressure, the government signed the Indo–Lanka Accord with India on 29 July 1987. As part of the agreement, the Sri Lankan government agreed to devolve power to the provinces and recognize Tamil as an official language, in exchange for the withdrawal of Indian support for Tamil militant groups.

This led to the enactment of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and the Provincial Councils Act, which created a system of devolved provincial governments. The Northern and Eastern Provinces were temporarily merged into a single administrative unit. The 13th Amendment remains one of the most controversial and debated pieces of legislation in Sri Lankan constitutional history, hailed by some as a step toward ethnic reconciliation and devolution, and condemned by others as foreign-imposed and threatening to national unity.

Historical Events during Term

The term of this Parliament was marked by profound political and economic transformations that reshaped the nation’s trajectory. These developments, driven largely by the unprecedented parliamentary dominance of the United National Party (UNP), were both celebrated and criticized for their lasting impacts.

Creation of the Executive Presidency

One of the most significant constitutional developments was the establishment of the Executive Presidency. In 1977, following the passage of the Second Amendment to the 1972 Constitution, Prime Minister J.R. Jayewardene assumed office as the first Executive President of Sri Lanka on 4 February 1978. This reform marked a shift from the Westminster parliamentary system to a presidential system, concentrating extensive powers in the hands of the Head of State, including control over the Cabinet, Parliament, and key appointments. This transformation was justified by the government as necessary to ensure strong and stable leadership, but critics warned of growing authoritarianism and weakening of democratic checks. ^{[18] [19]}

Before the Creation of the Executive Presidency, William Gopallawa served as the President since Sri Lanka became a Republic in 1972, as the Nominal Head of State.

The establishment of the Executive Presidency marked a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s system of governance, introducing a centralized leadership model intended to ensure political stability and effective decision-making. While it was seen by many as a necessary response to the inefficiencies of the previous parliamentary system, the role has remained a subject of ongoing national debate. Over the years, several successive Presidents such as Chandrika Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksha, Maithripala Sirisena and Anura Kumara Dissanayake and some other political leaders have pledged to reform or abolish the Executive Presidency, often citing the need for better checks and balances. ^[20] However, no government has successfully carried out such reforms, and the office remains a central feature of Sri Lanka’s political structure. ^{[21] [22] [23]}

Introduction of the Free Market Economy

Under Jayewardene's leadership, Sri Lanka became the first South Asian country to liberalize its economy, departing from decades of socialist-oriented policies. ^[24] The government dismantled state monopolies, reduced import restrictions, promoted foreign investment, and launched large-scale infrastructure development projects such as the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Programme. The shift to an open market economy was hailed for revitalizing economic growth and reducing shortages, but also led to rising income inequality, privatization of public services, and labor unrest. ^{[25] [26]}

Victoria Dam, the largest Dam built in Sri Lanka under the Mahaweli Development Project.

Stripping of Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s Civil Rights

In a highly controversial move in 1980, Parliament passed a resolution to strip former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike of her civic rights for seven years, based on findings of the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry that accused her of abuse of power during her 1970–1977 tenure. This effectively barred her from contesting in elections or holding public office, eliminating a key opposition figure from the political arena. The decision was widely criticized as politically motivated and an abuse of the UNP’s supermajority. Bandaranaike, who served as the Prime Minister from 1960 to 1965, and again from 1970 to 1977, A member of Parliament for Attanagalla since 1965, was removed from Parliament on 16 October 1980. ^{[27] [28] [29]}

Construction of a New Parliamentary Complex

Plans were initiated to construct a new parliamentary complex to accommodate the evolving needs of the legislature. The existing Old Parliament Building in Galle face, Colombo, built in 1931, during the British colonial period, was considered inadequate for the expanding functions of government. Under the direction of President J.R. Jayewardene, a modern Parliament building was constructed in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the administrative capital, symbolizing a shift in national governance and identity. Designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, the new complex was officially opened on 29 April 1982. The Old Parliament Building in Colombo was thereafter repurposed and continues to serve as the Presidential Secretariat, housing the offices of the President and senior administrative staff. ^{[30] [31]}

President Jayawardene opens the 2nd Session of the 8th Parliament of Sri Lanka from the newly constructed Parliamentary Complex in Kotte, 29 April 1982.

President Jayawardene ceremoniously opened the 2nd Session of the 8th Parliament of Sri Lanka on 29 April 1982, from the Newly constructed Parliamentary Complex in Kotte, after it was prorogued on 26 March 1982. ^{[32] [33]}

1982 Presidential election

In 1982, the government enacted the Third Amendment to the Constitution, allowing the sitting President to seek re-election after completing four years of the six-year term. ^[34] This enabled President Jayewardene to call an early Presidential Election, which was held on 20 October 1982. Despite his party’s dominance in Parliament, Jayewardene faced unexpectedly strong competition from SLFP candidate Hector Kobbekaduwa, ultimately securing a narrow victory with just over 52% of the vote. ^{[35] [36]} The close margin surprised many observers and revealed cracks in the UNP’s popular support base. ^[37] Jayawardene was sworn in for a Second term on 4 February 1983.

The 1982 Referendum to Extend the tenure of Parliament

Concerned that the UNP might lose its overwhelming parliamentary majority in a general election, President Jayewardene proposed a referendum to extend the life of the Parliament by six more years, thereby postponing the scheduled 1983 general election. The referendum was held on 22 December 1982 and was passed with just over 54% of the vote. ^[38] This decision marked the first and only national referendum in Sri Lanka’s history and was widely criticized by opposition parties and civil society as undemocratic, effectively denying the electorate their right to choose a new Parliament through a general election.

Many observers and opposition parties alleged that the vote was neither free nor fair, citing widespread malpractice, intimidation of voters, misuse of state resources, and biased state media coverage in favor of the ruling party. The political atmosphere was charged, and reports of electoral corruption, vote rigging, and suppression of dissent further damaged the credibility of the process. Despite the criticism, the referendum narrowly passed, enabling the United National Party to maintain its parliamentary supermajority without facing fresh elections. ^[39]

Following the results of the 1982 Referendum, President J. R. Jayewardene made the unexpected decision to hold by-elections in 14 constituencies where the majority of voters had rejected the extension of Parliament. Although the national result of the referendum secured the continuation of the legislature, Jayewardene argued that democratic transparency and respect for dissenting electorates required additional validation. He declared that holding by-elections in those "No-voting" constituencies would demonstrate the government’s commitment to democracy and public accountability. The constituencies selected were Mahara, Maharagama, Kesbewa, Matugama, Kalutara, Ambalangoda, Baddegama, Rathgama, Akmeemana, Habaraduwa, Hakmana, Kamburupitiya, and Dewinuwara. These by-elections were conducted on May 18, 1983, but they were marred by serious allegations of corruption, violence, and intimidation, with widespread accusations that they were neither free nor fair. Of the 14 seats contested, the United National Party (UNP) managed to win 10, while the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) won 3, and Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) claimed the remaining seat. The results helped the UNP maintain its political dominance, but further deepened public skepticism about the regime’s commitment to genuine democracy. ^[40]

These by-elections marked the entrance of new MPs such as Dinesh Gunawardene (Maharagama), Gamini Lokuge (Kesbewa), Richard Pathirana (Akmeemana) and Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene (Hakmana).

Black July and the Onset of the Civil War (1983)

In July 1983, Sri Lanka witnessed one of the darkest chapters in its post-independence history. Following the killing of 13 Sri Lankan soldiers by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Jaffna, anti-Tamil riots broke out across the country—most violently in Colombo. What began as spontaneous outrage quickly escalated into coordinated attacks against Tamil civilians, resulting in the deaths of between 400 to 3,000 Tamils, thousands injured, and over 100,000 displaced. ^{[41] [42]} Tamil homes, businesses, and institutions were looted and burned with little to no intervention from state authorities. The violence—later known as Black July—shattered national unity and is widely recognized as the spark that ignited the Sri Lankan civil war. ^{[43] [44] [45]}

The Sixth Amendment and TULF Boycott

In response to rising separatist sentiment and the violence that followed, the government introduced the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution in August 1983, which prohibited any person or political party from supporting or advocating for a separate state. This directly targeted Tamil political representation, particularly the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) which were the official opposition led by A. Amirthalingam, which had earlier called for a separate Tamil state. Under the pressure of the new amendment and threats from Tamil militant groups, the TULF Members of Parliament began boycotting Parliament. After three months of continuous absence, those 18 MPs were legally expelled, effectively removing the only moderate Tamil voice from the national legislature and deepening ethnic polarization. By-elections or replacements for these seats were never held, keeping them vacant until the Parliament's dissolution in 1988. ^{[46] [47]}

Margaret Thatcher's address to the Parliament (1985)

In April 1985, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher paid an official visit to Sri Lanka, marking a significant moment in the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During her visit, she became the first British Prime Minister to address the Parliament of Sri Lanka on 13 April 1985, an event that underscored the strong historical and Commonwealth ties between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka. ^[48] Her address focused on themes of democracy , economic cooperation, and regional stability, praising Sri Lanka's commitment to democratic governance and expressing the UK's continued support for its development. Thatcher's speech was well-received and seen as a gesture of goodwill at a time when Sri Lanka was entering a turbulent period in its political and social history. Her visit symbolized a reaffirmation of the bilateral relationship and was widely covered in both local and international media. ^{[49] [50]}

The Indo-Lanka Accord (1987)

As the civil war intensified and international attention mounted, particularly from India, President Jayewardene was pushed to seek a diplomatic solution. After intense negotiations with Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the Indo-Lanka Accord was signed on 29 July 1987. ^[51] The agreement aimed to devolve power to the provinces, recognize Tamil as an official language, and ensure an end to hostilities. A key element of the Accord was the deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka to disarm militant groups, especially the LTTE. This movement was widely opposed by Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa, mentioning that "Problems of our household should be taken care by us, instead of seeking help from the neighbors." ^[52]

However, the Accord was controversial and deeply unpopular among many Sinhalese nationalists, and the LTTE, despite initial agreement, refused to disarm, eventually clashing with the IPKF. The Tamil population saw the Accord as insufficient, while many Sinhalese viewed it as an imposition on national sovereignty.

The 13th Amendment and Provincial Councils

To implement the Indo-Lanka Accord, the government passed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in November 1987. ^[53] This legislation established Provincial Councils in all nine provinces of Sri Lanka, devolving powers over education, agriculture, health, and local governance. It also recognized Tamil as an official language alongside Sinhala. The North-Eastern Provincial Council was temporarily merged as part of the Accord's provisions, with the intention of providing greater autonomy to Tamil-majority regions.

Despite these legal reforms, actual devolution remained limited, and central control persisted in many areas. The 13th Amendment remains one of the most debated pieces of legislation in Sri Lankan political history, hailed by some as a necessary step toward reconciliation and condemned by others as a threat to national unity. ^{[54] [55]}

Arrival and Fallout of the IPKF

The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) began arriving in Sri Lanka shortly after the signing of the Accord, with over 100,000 troops deployed at its peak. Initially tasked with ensuring peace and disarming militant groups, the IPKF soon became entangled in a brutal conflict with the LTTE, which rejected the conditions of the Accord. Civilians in the North and East began to resent the IPKF’s heavy-handed tactics, leading to widespread hostility toward the Indian presence. ^{[56] [57]}

By 1990, under the new government of President Ranasinghe Premadasa, Sri Lanka requested the withdrawal of the IPKF, which was completed in March 1990. The intervention left behind a legacy of mistrust, deepening the complexity of the civil war and straining India–Sri Lanka relations for years to come. ^{[58] [59] [60]}

JVP Insurrection (1988-1989)

During the final years of the 8th Parliament, Sri Lanka experienced one of the most violent internal uprisings in its post-independence history. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist-Leninist party that had earlier staged an insurrection in 1971, launched a second armed revolt between 1987 and 1989, targeting the state apparatus, security forces, and civilians perceived to be aligned with the government. ^[61]

The insurrection was largely driven by opposition to the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord signed in 1987 and the subsequent deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The JVP portrayed the Accord as a threat to national sovereignty and rallied support primarily in the southern Sinhala-majority regions, capitalizing on growing public discontent, youth unemployment, and nationalist sentiments.

The violence escalated dramatically by 1988, with political assassinations, general strikes (hartals), sabotage of public infrastructure, and enforced boycotts. The JVP also established a clandestine armed wing known as the Deshapremi Janatha Viyaparaya (Patriotic People's Movement) and carried out systematic attacks on politicians, intellectuals, trade unionists, and media personnel. ^[62]

In response, the government under President Ranasinghe Premadasa launched a brutal counterinsurgency campaign. Paramilitary groups and state-aligned death squads, some unofficially sanctioned, were widely implicated in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture. Thousands of people—many of them youths—were abducted or killed during this period, leading to widespread fear and a near breakdown of civil society in parts of the country. ^[63]

The insurrection was eventually crushed by late 1989 following the killing of JVP leader Rohana Wijeweera in November of that year. Though peace was restored, the suppression of the uprising left a lasting impact on Sri Lankan society and politics, with enduring debates on human rights, state violence, and the balance between national security and civil liberties. ^[64]

Electorate Results in the 1977 Election

Western Province

Colombo District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Colombo North	M. Vincent Perera	Elephant
Colombo Central	R.Premadasa	Elephant
Colombo Central	M.Jabir A. Cader	Eye
Colombo Central	M.Haleem Ishak	Hand
Borella	M.H.Mohomed	Elephant
Colombo East	A.Edmund Samarawickrema	Elephant
Colombo West	J.R.Jayewardene	Elephant
Dehiwala	S. de S. Jayasinghe	Elephant
Ratmalana	Lalith Athulathmudali	Elephant
Kolonnawa	Weerasinghe Mallimaratchchi	Elephant
Kotte	Ananda Tissa de Alwis	Elephant
Kaduwela	M.D.H. Jayawardana	Elephant
Awissawella	M.D.Premarathna	Eephant
Homagama	Gamani Jayasuriya	Elephant
Maharagama	Premaratne Gunasekera	Elephant
Kesbewa	Dharmasena Attigalle	Elephant
Moratuwa	Tyronne Fernando	Elephant

Gampaha District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Wattala	D. Shelton Jayasinghe	Elephant
Negambo	N. Denzil Fernando	Elephant
Katana	Wijayapala Mendis	Elephant
Divulapitiya	Ariyaratne Jayatillake	Elephant
Mirigama	Mahendra Wijeratne	Elephant
Minuwangoda	Bennet Gunasekera	Elephant
Attanagalla	Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias	Hand
Gampaha	S. D. Bandaranayake	Hand
Ja-ela	Joseph Michael Perera	Elephant
Mahara	Tudor Gunasekera	Elephant
Dompe	Sarathchandra Rajakaruna	Elephant
Biyagama	Ranil Wickremasinghe	Elephant
Kelaniya	Kaluwadewage Cyril Mathew	Elephant

Kalutara District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Panadura	Neville Fernando	Elephant
Bandaragama	Senaraja Samaranayake	Elephant
Horana	Indradasa Hettiarachchi	Elephant
Bulathsinhala	O.S. Perera	Elephant
Mathugama	Reginold V. Wijegooneratne	Elephant
Kalutara	V.L.Wijemanne	Elephant
Beruwala	Bakeer Markar Abduli	Elephant
Agalawatta	Merill Kariyawasam	Elephant

Central Province

Matale District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Dambulla	K. W. R. M. Ekananayake	Elephant
Laggala	K. Y. M. Wijeratne Banda	Elephant
Matale	Alick Aluvihare	Elephant
Rattota	P. B. Kaviratne	Elephant

Kandy District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Galagedara	W. M. G. T. Banda	Elephant
Harispattuwa	Abdul Cader Sahul Hameed	Elephant
Harispattuwa	R. Premachandra Wijesiri	Umbrella
Pathadumbara	T. B. Werapitiya	Elephant
Udadumbara	R. B. Attanayake	Elephant
Teldeniya	Gamini Rajapakse	Elephant
Kundasale	D. M. Chandrapala	Elephant
Hewaheta	Anura Daniel	Elephant
Senkadagala	Shelton Ranaraja	Elephant
Mahanuwara	E. L. Senanayake	Elephant
Yatinuwara	Sunil Subasiri Abeysundara	Elephant
Udunuwara	D. B. Wijetunga	Elephant
Gampola	W. P. B. Dissanayake	Elephant

Nuwaraeliya District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Navalapitiya	Chandradra Karunaratne	Elephant
Nuwaraeliya Maskeliya	Gamini Dissanayake	Elephant
Nuwaraeliya Maskeliya	Anura Bandaranaike	Hand
Nuwaraeliya Maskeliya	S. Thondaman	Cockerei
Kothmale	Ananda Dassanayake	Hand
Hanguranketha	George Abeygoonasekera	Elephant
Walapane	Renuka Herath (Mrs.)	Elephant

Southern Province

Galle District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Balapitiya	Norman Waidyaratna	Elephant
Ambalangoda	Raitor Thilakasekara	Elephant
Karandeniya	Bandulahewa Senadheera	Elephant
Bentara-Elpitiya	Rupasena Karunatilake	Elephant
Hiniduma	M.S. Amarasiri	Elephant
Baddegama	E.D. Wickrematilaka	Elephant
Rathgma	Edwin Thilakaratne	Elephant
Galle	Albert de Silva	Elephant
Akmeemana	Sumanadasa Abeywickrama	Elephant
Habaraduwa	P. Sumathiratne	Elephant

Matara District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Hakmana	Harshanath Wanigasekara	Elephant
Akuressa	Dayananda Wickremasinghe	Elephant
Kamburupitiya	Don Edwin Malawaraarachchi	Elephant
Devinuwara	Ronnie de Mel	Elephant
Matara	S.K. Piyadasa	Elephant
Weligama	Montague Jayawickrema	Elephant
Deniyaya	Keerthi Abeywickrama	Elephant

Hambantota District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Mulkirigala	T.D.Fransisku	Elephant
Beliatta	Ranjith Atapattu	Elephant
Tangalle	Jinadasa Weerasinghe	Elephant
Tissamaharama	P.M.B. Cyril	Elephant

Northern Province

Jaffna District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Kayts	K.P. Ratnam	Sun
Waddukkodai	T. Thirunavukarasu	Sun
Kankesanthurai	A. Amirthalingam	Sun
Kopai	S. Kathiravelupillai	Sun
Udduppidi	T. Rasalingam	Sun
Point-Pedro	K. Thurairatnam	Sun
Chavakachcheri	V.N. Navaratnam	Sun
Nallur	M. Sivasithamparam	Sun
Jaffna	V. Yogeswaran	Sun

Vanni District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Kilinochchi	V. Anandasangary	Sun
Mannar	P.S. Soosaithasan	Sun
Mulativu	X.M.Sellathambu	Sun
Vavuniya	T. Sivasithamparam	Sun

Eastern Province

Trincomalee District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Seruvila	H.D.L. Leelaratne	Elephant
Trincomalee	R. Sampathan	Sun

Batticalao District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Mutur	M.E.H. Maharoof	Elephant
Kalkudah	K.W. Devanayagam	Elephant
Batticaloa	C.Rajadurai & Farid Meeralebbai	Sun & Elephant
Paddiruppu	P. Ganeshalingam	Sun

Ampara District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Ampara	P. Dayaratna	Elephant
Sammanthurai	M. A. Abdul Majeed	Elephant
Kalmunai	Abdul Rasak Mansoor	Elephant
Potuvil	M.A.M. Jalaldeen & C.Kanagaratnam	Elephant & -Sun

North Western Province

Puttalam District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Puttalam	M.H.M. Neina Marikkar	Elephant
Anamaduwa	Ashoka Wadigamangawa	Elephant
Chilaw	Harindra Corea	Elephant
Nattandiya	Harold Herath	Elephant
Wennappuwa	Festus Perera	Elephant

Kurunegala District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Galgamuwa	H.M.A. Lokubanda	Elephant
Nikaweratiya	H.B. Wanninayake	Elephant
Yapahuwa	H.B. Abeyratne	Elephant
Hiriyala	S.B. Herath	Elephant
Wariyapola	Amara Piyaseeli Ratnayake	Elephant
Panduwasnuwara	Kalubanda Ratnayake	Elephant
Bingiriya	J.L. Sirisena	Elephant
Katugampola	Gamini Jayawickrama Perera	Elephant
Kuliyapitiya	Lionel Jayatillake	Elephant
Dambadeniya	Ukkubanda Wijekoon	Elephant
Polgahawela	J.A.D.S. R. Jayakody	Elephant
Kurunegala	Dingiri Banda Welagedera	Elephant
Mawathagama	G.M. Premachandra	Elephant
Dodangaslanda	S.W. Alawatuwala	Elephant

North Central Province

Anuradapura District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Medawachchiya	Maithripala Senanayake	Hand
Horoupothana	E. L. B. Hurulle	Elephant
Anuradhapura East	W.Y. Herath	Elephant
Anuradhapura West	K.D.M.C. Bandara	Elephant
Kalawewa	A.M.S. Adikari	Elephant
Mihintale	Dayaratne Walagambahu	Elephant
Kekirawa	G.D. Mahindsoma	Elephant

Polonnaruwa District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Minneriya	Merril de Silva	Elephant
Medirigiriya	A.D.B. Ekanayake	Elephant
Polonnaruwa	H.G.P. Nelson

Uva Province

Badulla District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Mahiyangana	C.P.J.Seneviratne	Elephant
Viyaluwa	Weerawanni Samaraweera	Elephant
Passara	W.M. Karunaratne	Elephant
Badulla	D. Vincent Perera	Elephant
Hali-ela	R.M. Abeykoon	Elephant
Uva-paranagama	R.M. Karunaratne	Elephant
Welimada	Percy Samaraweera	Elephant
Bandarawela	R.M.Apphamy	Elephant
Haputale	W.J.M.Lokubandara	Elephant

Monaragala District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Bibile	R.M.Dharmadasa Banda	Elephant
Moneragala	R.M. Punchi Bandara	Elephant
Wellawaya	J.M. Kumaradasa	Elephant

Sabaragamuwa Province

Kegalla District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Dedigama	Nissanka Parakrama Wijayaratne	Elephant
Galigamuwa	Wimala Kannangara (Mrs.)	Elephant
Kegalle	N.A. Seneviratne	Elephant
Rambukkana	Asoka Karunaratne	Elephant
Mawanella	C.R. Beligammana	Elephant
Aranayaka	Wasantha Udayaratne	Elephant
Yatiyantota	K. Vincent Perera	Elephant
Ruwanwella	P.C. Imbulana	Elephant
Deraniyagala	A.K.D. Wanigaratne	Elephant

Ratnapura District

Electorate	Name of the Elected	Symbol
Ehaliyagoda	Mervyn Kularatne	Elephant
Ratnapura	G.V. Punchinilame	Elephant
Pelmadulla	Chandrasekera Gankanda	Elephant
Balangoda	M.L.M.Aboosally	Elephant
Rakwana	H. Kularatne	Elephant
Nivitigala	Gamini Athukorale	Elephant
Kalawana	Abeyratna Pilapitiya	Elephant
Kolonna	Caluwadewage Nanda Mathew	Elephant

Source ^{[65] [66]}

Changes in Composition (1977 - 1988)

Under the Second Republican Constitution of 1978, Sri Lanka transitioned from the first-past-the-post electoral system to a Proportional Representation (PR) system. One significant consequence of this shift was the abolition of by-elections, as parliamentary seats were now allocated based on district-level party lists rather than individual constituencies.

However, the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, enacted in 1983, introduced an important exception. It allowed for by-elections to be held in cases where a seat became vacant and the political party failed to nominate a replacement from its national list or district list within a specified time frame. This amendment aimed to preserve democratic representation and prevent prolonged vacancies in Parliament.

As a result, several by-elections were held throughout the tenure of the 8th Parliament, marking rare instances where voters directly elected their representatives under the PR system. Notably, this period became historically significant as it was the last Parliament in Sri Lanka to hold by-elections, with future replacements being filled entirely through party list under the prevailing constitutional framework.

Ranasinghe Premadasa become the first Prime Minister under an Executive President in 1978. He was elected as the 2nd Executive President in 1988.

Deaths and Resignations

• S. de S. Jayasinghe (UNP/Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia) died; the By-election to fill his vacancy was held on 11 November 1977, which was won by his daughter, Sunethra Ranasinghe (UNP).
• J. R. Jayawardene (UNP/Colombo West) resigned to become the President of Sri Lanka; the By-election to his vacancy was held on 21 March 1978, which was won by Anura Bastian (UNP).
• Albert Silva (UNP/Galle) was unseated through an election petition; the By-election to his fill his vacancy was held on 20 December 1979, which was won by Wijayananda Dahanayake (UNP).
• Saddatissa Wadigamangawa (SLFP/Anamaduwa) was unseated through an election petition; the By-election to fill his vacancy was held on 7 May 1980, which was won by Asoka Wadigangawa (UNP).
• Sirimavo Bandaranaike (SLFP/Attanagalla) was unseated by a Resolution passed through the Parliament; replaced by Lakshman Jayakody (SLFP), on 19 December 1980.
• Abeyrathne Pilapitiya (UNP/Kalawana) was unseated through an election petition; the By-election to fill his vacancy was held on 12 January 1981, which was won by Sarath Muttetuwegama (CPS).
• Bandulahewa Senadheera (UNP/Karandeniya) died; replaced by his wife Daya Sepali Senadheera (UNP), on 26 March 1982.
• M. A. Daniel (UNP/Hewaheta) resigned; replaced by his sister Rupa Sriyani Daniel, in 1982.
• By-elections were held for 14 Constituencies on 18 May 1983, following the 1982 Referendum. ^[67]

1. Mahara: Won by Jayakody Kamalawarna (UNP) replacing Tudor Gunasekara (UNP).
2. Maharagama: Won by Dinesh Gunawardene (MEP) replacing Premarathne Gunasekara (UNP).
3. Kesbewa: Won by Gamini Lokuge (UNP) replacing Dharmasena Attygalle (UNP).
4. Matugama: Won by Anil Moonesinghe (SLFP) replacing Reginald V. Wijegunarathne (UNP).
5. Kalutara: Won by V. L. Vijemanne (UNP) seat held.
6. Ambalangoda: Won by M. H. K. Jagathsena (UNP) replacing Raitor Thilakasekara (UNP).
7. Baddegama: Won by Dodangoda Amarasinghe (SLFP) replacing E. D. Wickremethilake (UNP).
8. Rathgama: Won by Somarathne Asokaweera (UNP) replacing Edwin Thilakrathne (UNP).
9. Akmeemana: Won by Richard Pathirana (SLFP) replacing Sumanadasa Abeywickrema (UNP).
10. Habaraduwa: Won by G. V. S. de Silva (UNP) replacing P. Sumathirathne (UNP).
11. Hakmana: Won by Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene (UNP) replacing Harshanath Wanigasekara (UNP).
12. Kamburupitiya: Won by Wijaya Kumara Gunawardene (UNP) replacing Don Edwin Malawaraarachchi (UNP).
13. Devinuwara: Won by Ronnie de Mel (UNP) seat held.
14. Mulkirigala: Ananda Kularathne (UNP) replacing T. D. Fransisku (UNP).

• Following the enactment of the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution in August 1983, the following 18 Members of Parliament from the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) boycotted Parliament in protest, and as a result of their prolonged absence, they were deemed to have vacated their seats and were officially removed from Parliament on 24 October 1983. No by-elections were held and no one was appointed to fill their vacancies, keeping those seats vacant till the dissolution of Parliament. ^[68]

1. Chelliah Rajadurai: Member of Parliament for Batticaloa
2. V. N. Navaratnam: Member of Parliament for Chavakachcheri
3. V. Yogeswaran: Member of Parliament for Jaffna
4. A. Amirthalingam: Member of Parliament for Kankesanthurai
5. K. P. Ratnam: Member of Parliament for Kayts
6. V. Anandasangaree: Member of Parliament for Kilinochchi
7. S. Kathiravelupillai: Member of Parliament for Kopay
8. V. Dharmalingam: Member of Parliament for Manipay
9. P. S. Soosaithasan: Member of Parliament for Mannar
10. X. M. Sellathambu: Member of Parliament for Mullaitivu
11. M. Sivasithamparam: Member of Parliament for Nallur
12. P. Ganeshalingam: Member of Parliament for Paddirippu
13. K. Thurairatnam: Member of Parliament for Point Pedro
14. M. Kanagaratnam: Member of Parliament for Pottuvil
15. R. Sampanthan: Member of Parliament for Trincomalee
16. T. Rasalingam: Member of Parliament for Udupiddy
17. T. Thirunavukarasu: Member of Parliament for Vaddukoddai
18. T. Sivasithamparam: Member of Parliament for Vavuniya

• C. P. J. Senevirathne (UNP/Mahiyangana) died; the by-election to fill his vacancy was held on 18 April 1985, which was won by his son, Lakshman Senevirathne (UNP).
• Jinadasa Weerasinghe (UNP/Tangalle) assassinated on 31 July 1987; no by-elections were held and no one was appointed to fill his vacancy, keeping his seat vacant till the dissolution of Parliament.
• Keerthisena Abeywickrama (UNP/Deniyaya) died on 18 August 1987 due to a grenade attack on the Parliament; replaced by his sister Keerthilatha Abeywickrama (UNP) on 11 September 1987.
• G. V. S. de Silva (UNP/Habaraduwa) assassinated on 1 May 1988; no by-elections were held and no one was appointed to fill his vacancy, keeping his seat vacant till the dissolution of Parliament.
• Lionel Jayathilake (UNP/Kuliyapitiya) assassinated on 26 September 1988; no by-elections were held and no one was appointed to fill his vacancy, keeping his seat vacant till the dissolution of Parliament.

Dissolution

Following the controversial 1982 referendum that extended the life of Parliament without a general election, the term of the legislature was scheduled to end on 4 August 1989. However, as the political situation in the country grew increasingly unstable—with mounting violence, an escalating civil war, and rising public discontent—debates emerged on when to dissolve Parliament and hold fresh elections. President J. R. Jayewardene, who was nearing the end of his second term, initially hinted at seeking a third term by amending the constitution ahead of the 1988 Presidential Election. However, citing his advanced age and the fragile political climate, Jayewardene eventually abandoned these plans and chose to endorse Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa as the United National Party (UNP) candidate.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), led by Sirimavo Bandaranaike, repeatedly called on the President to dissolve Parliament and hold general elections before the Presidential poll, arguing that the extended legislature had lost its democratic legitimacy. However, Prime Minister Premadasa strongly preferred to keep the Parliament intact. His reasoning was strategic—if elected President, he would inherit a parliamentary majority without having to face a new election immediately. ^[69]

Outgoing President J. R. Jayawardene signs the Gazette Notification proclaiming the Dissolution of the 11-year-old Parliament on 20 December 1988.

Caught between the opposition's demands and Premadasa’s political interests, Jayewardene delayed making a decision. The Presidential Election was held on 19 December 1988, and Premadasa emerged victorious, becoming the second Executive President of Sri Lanka. The very next day, on 20 December 1988, President Jayewardene dissolved Parliament and issued writs for a General election to be held on 15 February 1989. ^[70] This marked the end of the Parliament elected in 1977—the longest-serving Parliament in Sri Lankan history and the last elected under the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system. Jayawardene left office on 2 January 1989, after Premadasa assumed the office of the President.

Legacy and Significance

The 8th Parliament of Sri Lanka, elected in 1977, holds a unique and unparalleled place in the nation’s parliamentary history. Serving for over 11 years, it remains the longest-serving legislature in Sri Lanka’s political timeline—outliving multiple crises, constitutional transformations, and even the electoral norm through the controversial 1982 referendum, which extended its term without a fresh general election. ^{[71] [72]}

This Parliament oversaw some of the most profound constitutional and political changes in Sri Lankan history. It witnessed the adoption of the Second Republican Constitution in 1978, which transformed Sri Lanka from a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy into an Executive presidential system. Under the leadership of President J. R. Jayewardene, it also introduced the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, replacing the long-standing First-Past-the-Post method, thereby laying the groundwork for a more representative—but complex—democratic structure. ^[73]

In addition to constitutional reforms, this Parliament enacted sweeping economic liberalization policies, marking Sri Lanka’s shift from a state-controlled to a market-oriented economy. It also navigated through intensifying ethnic tensions, the emergence of separatist conflict in the North and East, and the early stages of the civil war, thus becoming a central actor in shaping the state's modern response to national security and governance challenges.

Despite the controversies surrounding its extended tenure and the centralization of power under the executive presidency, the 1977 Parliament set the foundation for the modern Sri Lankan state. Its legislative legacy continues to influence the country's institutional frameworks, political culture, and democratic processes well into the 21st century. ^[74]

See also

• Parliament of Sri Lanka
• 1977 Sri Lankan Parliamentary election
• 2nd Republican Constitution of Sri Lanka (1978)
• President of Sri Lanka
• Black July
• Indo-Lanka Accord
• J. R. Jayawardene

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