Second Janaraja Constitution - 1978

The UNP (United National Party) government which was led by the Hon. J. R. Jayawardana came to the power in 1977. With the new government there was again reformation to the constitution with establishment of the executive presidency. It was a rapid change to the constitution, in considering secular values.

At the election in 1977 the UNP government received two third majority, mainly because the adverse economic situation in the country during the reign of Samagi Peramuna. Therefore the main reason of success of the UNP during the election in 1977 was people’s need for a relief.

In 1978 august 31 the new constitution was approved. In new constitution the Country was considered as “Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka”. There some new features.

1. Basically written and non flexible
2. Introduction of executive presidency
3. Still there was the cabinet; So it a mix of cabinet and presidency
4. Cancellation of simple majority method and introduction of proportionally electing system
5. Introduction of referendum
6. Introduction of Ombudsman
7. Extension of the chapter of basic rights and handover the power on rights to the supreme court
8. Establishment of provincial councils

Even with advanced changes the 1978 constitution is not much success one. During the last twenty years after approval of the 1978 constitution there had been seventeen reforms. It indicates weaknesses of the constitution.