🏛️ Whither Constitutional Reform? Lessons from Sri Lanka's Governance History

• Reform History: Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne's book highlights 32 years of failed efforts to replace the 1978 Constitution due to political opportunism, lack of consensus, and missed opportunities since 1994. • Risk of Majorities: Supermajorities historically triggered democratic backsliding (e.g., 18th and 20th Amendments), whereas pro-democracy reforms (17th, 19th, and 21st Amendments) succeeded through cross-party consensus. • Key Recommendations: Calls for constitutional supremacy over parliamentary power, curbing or abolishing the executive presidency, and safeguarding an independent judiciary alongside checks and balances to prevent autocratic erosion. • Devolution & Unity: Frames devolution of power in a plural society not as a political concession, but as a constitutional necessity to ensure equality, national unity, and long-term peace.