Short Introduction
The First Republican Constitution of Sri Lanka was adopted on 22 May 1972. This Constitution marked a major turning point in the country’s history, as Sri Lanka officially became a republic and ended its status as a British dominion.
With the adoption of the 1972 Constitution, the country changed its name from Ceylon to Sri Lanka. The British monarch was removed as Head of State, and full sovereignty was vested in the people through the National State Assembly.
Key Facts
- Adopted on 22 May 1972.
- Sri Lanka became a Republic.
- The name “Ceylon” was changed to “Sri Lanka.”
- The British monarch was removed as Head of State.
- The National State Assembly replaced Parliament.
- The Constitution emphasized parliamentary supremacy.
- Buddhism was given the “foremost place.”
- The Senate was abolished.
- Fundamental rights were included but not strongly protected.
- The Constitution remained in force until 1978.
Important Dates
- 4 February 1948 – Independence under the Soulbury Constitution.
- 22 May 1972 – First Republican Constitution adopted.
- 1972 – Senate abolished.
- 7 September 1978 – Replaced by the Second Republican Constitution.
Detailed Explanation
Background
After independence in 1948, Sri Lanka functioned under the Soulbury Constitution. However, political leaders wanted a fully independent constitution without links to the British Crown.
A Constituent Assembly was formed to draft a new constitution. On 22 May 1972, the First Republican Constitution was officially adopted.
Key Features
Republican Status
Sri Lanka became a republic, meaning it no longer recognized the British monarch as Head of State.
Change of Name
The country’s official name changed from Ceylon to the Republic of Sri Lanka.
National State Assembly
The previous bicameral Parliament was replaced by a unicameral legislature called the National State Assembly.
Parliamentary Supremacy
The Constitution declared that legislative power was supreme, reducing judicial review authority.
Buddhism
Buddhism was given the foremost place while assuring freedom of religion to other communities.
Executive and Legislative Structure
The Prime Minister became the most powerful political leader. The President under this Constitution had mainly ceremonial powers and was elected by the National State Assembly.
The National State Assembly exercised legislative authority and could amend the Constitution.
Limitations
Although it made Sri Lanka a republic, the 1972 Constitution had some weaknesses:
- Limited judicial review
- Concentration of power in Parliament
- Weak protection of fundamental rights
These issues led to further constitutional reform in 1978.
End of the 1972 Constitution
In 1978, Sri Lanka adopted the Second Republican Constitution. This new Constitution introduced the Executive Presidential System and replaced the 1972 framework.
Conclusion
The First Republican Constitution (1972) was a historic milestone in Sri Lanka’s constitutional development. It established the country as a sovereign republic and removed colonial constitutional links. Although later replaced, it remains a significant step in the evolution of Sri Lanka’s political system.
10 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. The First Republican Constitution was adopted in:
A. 1948
B. 1956
C. 1972
D. 1978
Correct Answer: C
2. Sri Lanka became a republic on:
A. 4 February 1948
B. 22 May 1972
C. 7 September 1978
D. 1 January 1970
Correct Answer: B
3. The name “Ceylon” was changed to:
A. Lanka
B. Republic of Lanka
C. Sri Lanka
D. Sinhala Lanka
Correct Answer: C
4. The 1972 Constitution replaced the:
A. 1978 Constitution
B. Donoughmore Constitution
C. Soulbury Constitution
D. British Crown Act
Correct Answer: C
5. The legislature under the 1972 Constitution was called the:
A. Parliament
B. Senate
C. National State Assembly
D. Federal Council
Correct Answer: C
6. The 1972 Constitution abolished the:
A. Prime Minister
B. Senate
C. Judiciary
D. Cabinet
Correct Answer: B
7. Under the 1972 Constitution, Buddhism was given:
A. Equal status only
B. No recognition
C. The foremost place
D. State religion status only
Correct Answer: C
8. The President under the 1972 Constitution was mainly:
A. Executive leader
B. Ceremonial Head of State
C. Military commander
D. Elected by the people
Correct Answer: B
9. The 1972 Constitution remained in force until:
A. 1975
B. 1977
C. 1978
D. 1983
Correct Answer: C
10. The 1972 Constitution emphasized:
A. Federalism
B. Parliamentary supremacy
C. Executive supremacy
D. Military governance
Correct Answer: B