20th Amendment to Sri Lanka’s Constitution

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20th amendment to Sri Lanka’s constitutions passed

Key provisions of the amendment

• The amendment envisages expansive powers and greater immunity for the Executive President was passed in Parliament with a two-thirds majority, following a two-day debate

• The amendment triggered concern and resistance from not just the political opposition, but also the influential Buddhist clergy that Sri Lanka’s southern polity venerates
• This amendment rolls back Sri Lanka’s 19th Amendment, a 2015 legislation passed with wide support from the Rajapaksa camp — then in Opposition — that sought to clip presidential powers while strengthening Parliament. 
• The new legislation in turn reduces the Prime Minister’s role to a ceremonial one.

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