A Brief History of Sri Lankan Parliamentary Elections

1989 to 2015

In this article, I review the seven parliamentary elections, held under the proportional representation (PR) system. For context, I begin with a historical prelude.

Prelude: Before 1989

Sri Lanka’s first Parlimentary election was held in 1947. This was followed by ’52, ’56, March ’60, July ’60, ’65, and ’70.

The 8th election should have been held in 1975, given that the previous election was held in 1970. Instead, Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike took advantage of the new 1972 constitution. And delayed the vote by two years. To 1977.

1977

By ’77, the ruling SLFP was deeply unpopular. While “closed” economic policies led to some development of local industry, unemployment was high and essential goods in short supply. The opposition UNP had regrouped after its 1970 defeat and promised opening-up the economy.

The UNP won 50.92% of the vote, and140 of the 168 seats. A 5/6ths majority. While the SLFP won 29.72%, it could manage only 8 seats.

Several Federalist Tamil parties merged to form the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF). And won all 14 seats in the Northern Province. And another four seats in the Eastern Province, for a total of 18 seats.

For the first time in history, a Tamil party won the second-highest number of seats. And became the official opposition.