Supreme Court Blocks Presidential Move in Sri Lanka

Name: Supreme Court Blocks Presidential Move in Sri Lanka
Start: 1951-11-13
Location: Unspecified

Overview of the 2018 Constitutional Crisis in Sri Lanka

The Role of President Maithripala Sirisena

In October 2018, Sri Lanka found itself at the center of a controversial political crisis when President Maithripala Sirisena attempted to dissolve parliament. His move came amidst ongoing tensions between the ruling coalition he led and the opposition. This high-stakes situation escalated when Sirisena appointed former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister, which led to popular backlash and constitutional challenges.

Events Leading Up to the Court's Ruling

The decision to dissolve parliament was met with immediate resistance, as many lawmakers contested the legitimacy of Rajapaksa's appointment. The political landscape was deeply polarized, and public protests erupted demanding the reinstatement of the previous Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe. The crisis drew national and international attention, prompting various legal actions.

The Supreme Court's Pivotal Decision

Ruling Against the Dissolution of Parliament

On December 13, 2018, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling that blocked Sirisena's attempt to dissolve parliament, stating that the decision was unconstitutional. This ruling was significant as it reinforced the independence of the judiciary and established clear boundaries on presidential powers.

The Impact of the Supreme Court’s Ruling

The Supreme Court's decision was met with relief among supporters of the democratic process, affirming the principle that the executive branch cannot unilaterally override legislative authority. In the aftermath, parliament reconvened, and the political turmoil that had gripped the nation began to ease as new strategies to stabilize governance were sought.

Fun Fact

Did You Know About the Political Backlash?

This constitutional crisis triggered numerous protests nationwide, showcasing the public's strong commitment to democratic governance and their resistance to authoritarianism.