OPINION POLL ON

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
TOP LINE REPORT
SOCIAL INDICATOR
CENTRE FOR POLICY ALTERNATIVES

OCTOBER 2016

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is an independent, non-partisan organisation that focuses primarily on
issues of governance and conflict resolution. Formed in 1996 in the firm belief that the vital contribution of civil
society to the public policy debate is in need of strengthening, CPA is committed to programmes of research
and advocacy through which public policy is critiqued, alternatives identified and disseminated.
Address:

6/5, Layards Road,

Telephone:

Colombo 5, Sri Lanka

+94 (11) 2081384-6

Fax:
Web

+94 (11) 2081388

www.cpalanka.org

Email

info@cpalanka.org

Social Indicator (SI) is the survey research unit of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) and was established in
September 1999, filling a longstanding vacuum for a permanent, professional and independent polling facility in
Sri Lanka on social and political issues. Driven by the strong belief that polling is an instrument that empowers
democracy, SI has been conducting polls on a large range of socioeconomic and political issues since its
inception.
Address: 105, Fifth Lane, Colombo 03
Telephone: +94(11)2370472/4/6 Fax: +94(11) 2370475
Web: http://cpalanka.org/survey-research/ Email: info@cpasocialindicator.org

Table of contents

Executive summary

Introduction

Methodology

Chapter 1. Awareness and Communication

Chapter 2. The New Constitution

17

Chapter 3. Provincial Councils

32

Executive Summary

Only 1.1% of Sri Lankans are extremely aware that a Constitutional reform process is taking
place at present while 21.9% are somewhat aware. 34.1% are aware that it is taking place
but not at all aware about the details and status while almost 25% of Sri Lankans said that
they did not know that a Constitutional reform process is taking place at present.
The Northern and Eastern Provinces show the highest levels of awareness, with 2.8%
saying they are highly aware and 42.3% somewhat aware in the Northern Province and 4%
highly aware and 34.7% somewhat aware in the Eastern Province.
Almost 60% in the Sabaragamuwa Province are not aware that a Constitutional reform
process is taking place in Sri Lanka at present while almost 50% in the Western Province
are aware that it is taking place but not at all aware about the details and status.
According to this survey, almost 70% of Sri Lankans have not heard of the Public
Representations Committee on Constitutional Reform (PRC) and its activities. Only 0.7%
said that they are extremely aware while 8.7% said that they are somewhat aware. 21%
have heard of the PRC but were not aware of its activities.
At a Provincial level, Uva (83.6%) and North Western (76.8%) slowest the highest lack of
awareness regarding the PRC. Almost 30% from the Western and Sabaragamuwa
Provinces stated that they had heard of the PRC but were not aware of its activities.
Awareness was highest in the Northern Province where 30% indicated their awareness of
the PRC and its activities.
Similar, lack of awareness was very high when it came to the Constitutional Assembly as
well. 76.8% of Sri Lankans had not heard of the Constitutional Assembly while 14% had
heard of it but were not aware of its activities.
Almost 60% of Sri Lankans said that the Government has not been successful in their
communication regarding the Constitutional reform process - such as its importance and
progress - to the general public. Only 4.8% said that they have been successful and 21.5%
said that the Government has been somewhat successful but could be better.
Opinion is divided among Sri Lankans when asked if we need a new Constitution. 33.9%
said that we need a new Constitution while 33.6% believe that the current Constitution
should continue but with some needed changes. It is noteworthy that almost 20% of Sri
Page 1 of 35

Lankans say that they do not know whether we need a new Constitution or whether we
should continue with the current one.
On the question of completely abolishing the Executive Presidential system, a key election
promise of the yahapalanaya Government, Sri Lankans are once again divided with 35.7%
supporting the complete abolition of the Executive Presidential system and 40.3% not
supporting it. 24% said that they do not know whether they support it or not.
Support for complete abolition is highest in the North Central (48.6%) and Sabaragamuwa
(44%) Provinces while around 50% in the Southern and Eastern Province stated that they
do not support it. Almost 50% from the Central Province remain undecided.
Article 2 of our current Constitution states that The Republic of Sri Lanka is a Unitary State
and 63.6% of Sri Lankans believe that it is important to retain the phrase unitary state in
the new Constitution. This opinion is mainly held by the Sinhalese community (77.7%) while
only 14.3% from the Tamil, 18.1% from the Up Country Tamil and 28.8% from the Muslim
communities stated the same.
On the question of giving Buddhism a special place in the Constitution, around 77% of
Sinhalese strongly agree that Buddhism should be given a special place in the Constitution.
In comparison, 73.3% from the Tamil, 89.2% from the Up Country Tamil and 71.4% from
the Muslim communities strongly disagree that Buddhism should be given a special place in
the Constitution.
Almost 90% from the Tamil and Muslim communities, 96.4% from the Up Country Tamil
community and 63.7% from the Sinhalese community strongly agree that the Constitution
should give all religions equal status.
When asked if the powers of the Provincial Councils should be increased, 44% of Sri
Lankans said that they should be increased while 31.6% said that they should not be
increased. 24.4% said that they did know.
From a Provincial perspective, support for increasing powers of the Provincial Councils is
highest in the Northern (77.8%), Eastern (60%) and Sabaragamuwa (59.2%) Provinces.
50% from the Southern Province said that the powers should not be increased.
Those who said that the powers of Provincial Councils should be increased were given a list
and asked which powers they were agreeable to increasing. More than 80% of
respondents from all Provinces were agreeable to almost every power on the list being
increased, with agreement falling short in comparison for increasing Provincial Councils
Page 2 of 35

power with regard to (i) inward investment and foreign aid, (ii) law and order and (iii) power
to alienate or reallocate State land. However, support from the Northern and Eastern
Provinces for increasing powers for these three items were more than 85%.
Those who said that the powers of the Provincial Councils should not be increased were
asked if Provincial Councils should be abolished or whether we should continue with the
way things are currently run. Majority support was for continuing with the way things are
currently run, except in the North Western Province where half the respondents said that
they did not know.
When asked if powers of the Provincial Councils are increased whether we need to keep
the Executive Presidency, 43.6% of Sri Lankans said yes while 15.2% said no to keeping
the Executive Presidency. A noteworthy 41.2% said that they did not know.
Support for keeping Executive Presidency even if the powers of Provincial Councils are
increased was highest in the North Western (60.3%) and Sabaragamuwa (58%) Provinces.
43.8% from the Northern Province said that we do not need to keep Executive Presidency
if powers of Provincial Councils are increased.

Page 3 of 35

Introduction
On the 9th of January 2016, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe presented a resolution in
Parliament to convert Parliament into a Constitutional Assembly to draft the third Republican
Constitution of Sri Lanka, which will replace the current 1978 Constitution. The resolution
noted that there shall be a Committee of Parliament referred to as the Constitutional
Assembly which shall consist of all Members of Parliament, for the purpose of deliberating
on, and seeking the views and advice of the people, on a new Constitution for Sri Lanka, and
preparing a draft of a Constitution Bill for the consideration of Parliament in the exercise of its
powers under Article 75 of the Constitution.

This is the second public opinion poll conducted by the Centre for Policy Alternatives this
year that focuses on the Constitutional reform process and it was conducted with the
objective of strengthening public discourse and increasing awareness on the reform process
in Sri Lanka. This survey report also highlights significant areas that all those involved in the
reform process should pay careful attention to at this critical juncture, including shortcomings
of the process itself.
While the survey conducted by CPA in January 2016 looked at the broad areas of reform
where public opinion was sought on the Bill of Rights, devolution, police and land powers,
merger of the Northern and Eastern Provinces and other proposals, this survey interrogated
deeper into public awareness of the reform process, strengthening of Provincial Councils, the
place of religion in the new Constitution, Executive Presidency and other key issues. Data
was collected from all 25 districts thereby making this a comprehensive survey with much
insight into public perceptions regarding the Constitutional reform process.
This survey was conducted by Social Indicator, the survey research unit of the Centre for
Policy Alternatives. The research team comprised of Dr. Asanga Welikala, Iromi Perera and M.
Krishnamoorthy, with input from Sanjana Hattotuwa and Luwie Ganeshathasan during the
questionnaire design phase. Data processing was done by Shashik Dhanushka.

Page 4 of 35

Methodology
The survey was carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire administered through faceto-face interviews. 34 trained Field Researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with 2002
respondents in both the Sinhala and Tamil languages across all Provinces.

Questionnaire

Key issues pertaining to Sri Lanka's current Constitution reform process were taken into
consideration when formulating the questionnaire. The questionnaire was translated into
Sinhala and Tamil and a pilot survey was conducted by senior field staff. Findings from the
pilot survey were taken into account in the finalisation of the questionnaire.
Sampling and fieldwork
In this survey, Social Indicator (SI) used a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique
and a sample of 2000 respondents spread across all 25 districts were polled. The Population
Proportionate Sampling (PPS) method was used and ethnic proportions were accounted for.
The sample size was determined in order to produce results within a 2% error margin at a
95% confidence level. Electorates were chosen as the strata to distribute the sample and
polling centres within each electorate were chosen randomly. From each selected polling
centre the starting point (first household selected for the survey) of the survey was selected
randomly from the 2008 voter registry. Following the completion of an interview at the first
household, 19 other households that come under the same polling centre were selected
using the right hand rule.1 At each selected household, a respondent was determined using
the last birthday method.2

Following a successful interview, the field researcher would select the next following a successful interview, the field researcher
would select the next household by skipping a pre determined number of houses (based on the total number of households in
the selected polling centre) on his/her right. The route that the field researcher follows from the starting point is guided by this
method of always counting the houses on the right as well as selecting the path on the right when faced with more than one
possible path. This random sampling technique provides a good coverage of the sample population area, thereby giving all
households in the selected area an equal chance of being selected
2

In a selected household where there is more than one eligible respondent, the person who had their birthday most recently is
selected for the survey interview.

Page 5 of 35

Fieldwork for the entire study was conducted from August 29 - September 23, 2016. Delays
were experienced in completing the sample allocated to the Muslim community due to the
Eid festival in mid September.
Training of Field Researchers
A total of 34 Field Researchers participated in this study. The Field Researchers consisted of
both male and female enumerators from three ethnic communities Sinhala, Tamil and
Muslim. Prior to starting fieldwork, they were given an extensive training on the study, the
survey instrument and field techniques. In order to ensure the quality of field research, SI
deployed a group of Supervisors to conduct quality control processes during and after
fieldwork such as accompanied visits, spot-checks and back-checks to ensure the quality of
the data collected.
Data Processing and analysis

All the completed questionnaires were scrutinised, checked and entered into a database
designed for the survey. The dataset was further cleaned prior to it being analysed. Before
starting the analysis process, the dataset was weighted in order to reflect actual geographical
and ethnic proportion. The data set was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS).

How to read this report:

This report presents the top line results of the survey. The graphs presented sets out a
descriptive explanation on the basis of National data, and have been divided according to
Ethnicity and Province.

For questions that allowed more than one answer (multiple answer questions) from
respondents, figures do not add up to a 100%.

Page 6 of 35

1
Awareness and Communication
When asked about their level of awareness about the current Constitutional reform process in
Sri Lanka, it appears that there is little awareness among Sri Lankans. Only 1.1% of Sri
Lankans are extremely aware while 21.9% are somewhat aware. 34.1% are aware that it is
taking place but not at all aware about the details and status while almost 25% of Sri
Lankans said that they did not know that a Constitutional reform process is taking place at
present.
From an ethnic perspective, the Up Country Tamil community is the least aware about the
reform process, with more than 70% stating that they either did not know a reform process
was taking place (10.8%) or that they did not know what their level of awareness is (60.2%).
The Northern and Eastern Provinces show the highest levels of awareness, with 2.8% saying
they are highly aware and 42.3% somewhat aware in the Northern Province and 4% highly
aware and 34.7% somewhat aware in the Eastern Province. Almost 60% in the
Sabaragamuwa Province are not aware that a Constitutional reform process is taking place in
Sri Lanka at present while almost 50% in the Western Province are aware that it is taking
place but not all aware about the details and status. (Refer Graph 1.1)
27.1% of Sri Lankans believe that the President is leading the reform process while 18.5%
believe it is the Prime Minister. Another 18.1% also think that Parliament is leading the reform
process while almost 35% of respondents did not answer this question. (Refer Graph 1.2)
In December 2015, a 20 member Public Representations Committee on Constitutional
Reform (PRC) was appointed for the purpose of obtaining the views of the public on
constitutional reforms. The PRC conducted hearings in every district over the months of
February and March 2016 and presented its final report in May 2016.
According to this survey, almost 70% of Sri Lankans have not heard of the PRC and its
activities. Only 0.7% said that they are extremely aware while 8.7% said that they are
somewhat aware. 21% had heard of the PRC but were not aware of its activities.
91.6% from the Up Country Tamil community and around 80% from the Tamil and Muslim
communities have not heard of the PRC. At a Provincial level, Uva (83.6%) and North
Western (76.8%) slowest the highest lack of awareness regarding the PRC. Almost 30% from
the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces stated that they had heard of the PRC but were

Page 7 of 35

not aware of its activities. Awareness was highest in the Northern Province where 30% noted
they were aware of the PRC and its activities. (Refer Graph 1.3)
Graph 1.1: How would you describe your level of awareness about the current
Constitutional reform process in Sri Lanka?

Extremely aware
Somewhat aware
I am aware that it is taking place, but not at all aware about the details and status
I did not know that a Constitutional reform process is taking place at present
Don't know/ No response

National
Sinhala
Tamil
Up Country Tamil
Muslim

1.1

21.9

34.1

0.4 18.5
3.1

43.2
33.9

2.4 16.9
3.8

Central

36.4

2.8

Eastern

North Central
Uva

0.8

9.7

Sabaragamuwa
0

28.8
75

4.5

21.1
7

34.7

15.3

26.2

28.7

14.8

31
29

16.8
39.2

5.1

29.7
25.4

31.8
25

17.1

16.9

42.8

23

19.5

44.1

41.4
42.3

100

13.3

21.2

0.7 18.1
1.6

25.5

47.8

20.4

Northern

North Western

60.2

50

29.3

11

46.9

5.4

1.2 18.2

Southern

26.9

10.8

25

0.9

18.6

5.4 10.7

9.6

Western

24.3

35.1
57.6

50

8.5

0.9
75

100
Page 8 of 35

Graph 1.2: A Constitutional reform process is taking place in Sri Lanka at present. Who
do you think is leading the reform process? Is it the President, Prime Minister or
someone else?

President

Prime Minister

Parliament

No responses

27.1
18.4

National

18.1
34.8
28
18.8

Sinhala

21.4
30.5
28.1
16.5

Tamil

8.5
44.6
21.7
15.7

Up Country Tamil

8.4
50.6
20.7
18.5

Muslim

7.6
51.6
0

8.571

17.143

25.714

34.286

42.857

51.429

60

Page 9 of 35

Graph 1.3: In December 2015, a 20 member Public Representations Committee on

Constitutional Reform (PRC) was appointed for the purpose of obtaining the views of
the public on Constitutional reforms. How aware are you about the Public
Representations Committee and its activities?

Extremely aware
Somewhat aware
I have heard of the PRC but I'm not aware of its activities
I have not heard of the PRC
No response

National
Sinhala

0.7 8.7

21

0.37.2

26.9

Tamil

1.3

Up Country Tamil

4.8

Muslim

3.2

3.6

91.6
14.6

1.6

0.7

Northern

2.8

Eastern

0.8

North Western

1.3

15.3
11.4

Uva

7.4

100

66.3
71.3

1.8

66.9
28.2

75

21

11.4

North Central

4.6

50

16.6

10.3

Sabaragamuwa

80.5

28.9

0.7
4.1

Southern

0.19

79

25

Central

0.19

65.4

3.6

16.1

0
Western

69.4

5.6

63.4

14.5

69.4

10.5

76.8

23.9

68.1

83.6
29.5

65.9
25

50

75

100

Page 10 of 35

Similar, lack of awareness was very high when it came to the Constitutional Assembly as well.
76.8% of Sri Lankans had not heard of the Constitutional Assembly while 14% had heard of it
but were not aware of its activities. The Northern Province had the highest level of awareness,
with 1.4% stating that they were extremely aware and 26.8% somewhat aware. (Refer Graph
1.4)
Graph 1.4: How aware are you about the Constitutional Assembly?

Extremely aware
Somewhat aware
I have heard of the Constitutional Assembly but I'm not aware of its activities
I have not heard of the Constitutional Assembly
No response

National
Sinhala

14

76.8

0.2

17.8

75.6

0.2

0.6 8.3
0.1
6.2

Tamil

1.3

Up Country Tamil

2.4

Muslim

3.2

17.4
8.5

3.1

78

2.4

86.5
1.6

14.1

80.4

25

Western

0.96.1

Central

6.3

Northern

1.4

Eastern

2.4

5.1

14.5

Uva

1.6

64.8

10.4

71.2

12.6

North Central

6.4

1.3
69.6

26.8
16

100

0.1

82.9
20.7

8.4

Sabaragamuwa

75

80.8

9.5

0.4 9.3

North Western

50

12.1

Southern

0.4

79
80.4

6.6

81.1
24.8

1.6
68.8

25

50

75

100
Page 11 of 35

The television is one of the main sources of news for Sri Lankans, with television channels of
private media being the main source (82.2%) and television channels of state media at
second place (55%). 33.2% also consider radio channels of private media organisations as a
source that they get their news from. These three sources are similar across the Provinces,
with a few differences in two Provinces. In the Southern Province, the third highest news
source was state radio channels while in the Northern Province, the third highest news
source was newspapers of private media organisations. (Refer Table 1.1) Interestingly, 15.7%
from the Southern Province and 11.1% from the Eastern Province said that Facebook is one
of the main news sources while 29.5% from the Northern Province and 15.8% from
Sabaragamuwa said that emails from friends/family is a main news source for them.
Table 1.1: What are the top three sources that you get your news from?

National

Western Province

Central Province

Southern Province

Northern Province

Eastern Province

North Western

North Central

Uva Province

Sabaragamuwa

Television - Private media Television - State media

82.2

55

Television - Private media Television - State media

Radio - Private media

33.2
Radio - Private media

86.2

58.5

28.6

Television - Private media

Radio - Private media

Television - State media

80.2

43.5

28.8

Television - Private media Television - State media

Radio - State media

67.6

61.5

33.8

Television - Private media

Radio - Private media

67.8

55.4

Newspaper - Private
media
44.1

Television - Private media Television - State media

74.5

47.9

Television - Private media Television - State media

82.8

60.2

Television - Private media Television - State media

90.5

83.5

Television - Private media Television - State media

87.4

63.2

Television - Private media Television - State media

93.1

54.3

Radio - Private media

40.7
Radio - Private media
37.4
Radio - Private media
25.7
Radio - Private media
41.2
Radio - Private media
38.3

Page 12 of 35

Almost 60% of Sri Lankans said that the Government has not been successful in their
communication regarding the Constitutional reform process - such as its importance and
progress - to the general public. Only 4.8% said that they have been successful and 21.5%
said that the Government has been somewhat successful but could be better. Satisfaction is
highest in the Northern Province (2.8% said that the Government has been successful and
31.9% said somewhat successful) and Western Province (8.3% said has been successful
and 26.6% said somewhat successful). (Refer Graph 1.5)
Graph 1.5: Do you think the Government is doing a good job in communicating
information regarding the reform process such as its importance and progress - to
the general public?

Yes, the Government has been successful in their communication so far

The Government has been somewhat successful, but could be better
No, the Government has not been successful in their communication
Don't know

National

4.8

Western

21.5

8.3

Central

58
26.6

10.3

49.2

21

Southern

1.8

Northern

2.8

Eastern

4.8

North Western

0.8

North Central

2.2

21.7

Uva

5.7

18.9

17.1

15.8

49.1

19.6

60.5
31.9

16.9

20.6
47.2

18.1

51.6

15.1

26.6
76.9

7.1
73.2

2.9

38.5

36.9

21.1

Sabaragamuwa

15.7

74.8
25

50

4.1
75

100
Page 13 of 35

When asked about the best way for the Government or any political party to communicate
information regarding the Constitutional reform process to the people in their
neighbourhood, 28.1% of Sri Lankans said it was through the media. 23.8% said the best
way would be through Grama Niladhari officers, the Government administrative level closest
to people. 12.2% said it should be communicated through societies and meetings.
At a Provincial level, other than for the above mentioned options, 18.5% from the North
Central, 17.5% from the Northern and 10.9% from the North Western Provinces said that
they should come directly to their houses and communicate information regarding the reform
process while 26.9% from the Sabaragamuwa Province said that politicians and officials from
the area should communicate the information to them.
In the months to come, there is a variety of information that people would like to know about
the reform process. 60.8% of Sri Lankans would like to know about the importance of a new
Constitution, 38% would like to know how the new Constitution affects them, 29.1% the key
changes the new Constitution contains, 23.1% the difference between the new Constitution
and the current Constitution and 12.1% the progress of the reform process.
In addition to the above mentioned items, 20.5% from the Western Province and 12.6% from
the Eastern Province would like to know who the main people involved in the process are and
around 13% from the Western and Central Provinces would like to know the views of the
different political parties.
56.4% of Sri Lankans believe that it is good that the two main parties (SLFP and UNP) have
come together in a National Unity Government while 28.6% do not think it is good. 15%
stated that they do not know. From an ethnic perspective, 75.7% from the Muslim
community and 62.2% from the Tamil community think it is good that the two main parties
have formed a unity Government. 70.4% from the Eastern Province and around 65% from
the Western and Northern Provinces think it is good, while 44.3% from the Southern Province
and 47.2% from the Sabaragamuwa Province do not think it is good that the two main
parties have a unity Government. (Refer Graph 1.6)
Almost 50% of Sri Lankans think that the two parties should stay together as a unity
Government while 35.3% think that they should separate. Support for the two parties staying
together is highest in the Eastern Province (61.3%) while 51.8% from the Southern and
46.8% from the Sabaragamuwa Provinces believe that the two parties should separate.
(Refer Graph 1.7)

Page 14 of 35

Graph 1.6: Do you think it is good that the two main parties have come together in a
National Unity Government?

I think it is good that the two main parties have formed a unity Government
I think it is not good that the two main parties have formed a unity Government
Don't know

National

56.4

Sinhala

28.6

53.1

Tamil

33.1

62.2

13.7

15.1

55.4

Up Country Tamil

22.7

26.5

18.1

75.7

Muslim
0

25

Western

8.6
50

Southern

23.3

40
64.8

Eastern

15.6
15.5

70.4

North Western

59.5

North Central

58.7

22.4
26.8
35

43.6
0

25

19.6
22.4

50.4

Sabaragamuwa

13.8
23.2

44.3

Northern

Uva

100

20.7

53.4

15.7

75

65.3

Central

15

18
14.4
14.5

47.2
50

7.1

9.1
75

100

Page 15 of 35

Graph 1.7: Do you think the two parties (SLFP and UNP) should separate?
Yes, the two parties should separate
No, the two parties should stay together as a unity Government
Don't Know

National

35.3

Sinhala

48.1

39.7

Tamil

45.7

19.6

Up Country Tamil

32.1
48.2

17.3
0

15.1

50

32.4

Central

75

Southern

28.3

51.8

61.3

25

14.4

48.4
46.8

Sabaragamuwa

14.7

56.5
36.1

Uva

9.6

51.9

29

13.8
40.2

33.3

North Central

34.3

41.7
29

North Western

15.5

45

18.1

100

52

26.6

Eastern

14.5

67.6
25

Western

Northern

14.6

48.2
37.3

Muslim

16.6

15.5
43.1

50

10.1
75

100

Page 16 of 35

2
The New Constitution
Opinion is divided among Sri Lankans when asked if we need a new Constitution. 33.9% said
that we need a new Constitution while 33.6% believe that the current Constitution should
continue but with some needed changes. It is noteworthy that almost 20% of Sri Lankans say
that they do not know whether we need a new Constitution or whether we should continue
with the current one. Support for a new Constitution is highest in the North Central (45.7%),
North Western (41.8%) and Western (37.6%) Provinces while almost 50% of respondents in
the Northern Province believe that the current Constitution should continue but with some
needed changes. (Refer Graph 2.1)
On the question of completely abolishing the Executive Presidential system, a key election
promise of the yahapalanaya Government, Sri Lankans are once again divided with 35.7%
supporting the complete abolition of the Executive Presidential system and 40.3% not
supporting it. 24% said that they do not know whether they support it or not. Support for
complete abolition is highest in the North Central (48.6%) and Sabaragamuwa (44%)
Provinces while around 50% in the Southern and Eastern Province stated that they do not
support it. Almost 50% from the Central Province remain undecided. (Refer Graph 2.2)
Respondents were given a list of three roles a President of Sri Lanka could play and were
asked to select one. 10.1% of Sri Lankans said that a President of Sri Lanka should have no
executive powers but be a symbol of national unity, 22.6% said that no executive powers
except in protecting the unity of the country while 44.1% said that executive powers should
be shared between the President and Prime Minister.
65% from Sabaragamuwa, 63.7% from the North Western Province and 60.9% from the
North Central Province said that executive powers should be shared between the President
and Prime Minister while 44.4% from the Northern Province said that a President of Sri Lanka
should have no executive powers except in protecting the unity of the country. (Refer Graph
2.3)
On the role that a Prime Minister of Sri Lanka should play, most Sri Lankans (62.4%) believe
that the Prime Minister and Cabinet should run day to day affairs of the Government on the
instructions of the President while 18.4% said that the Prime Minster should be the head of
the Government, running day to day affairs with other Ministers of the Cabinet. (Refer Graph
2.4)

Page 17 of 35

Graph 2.1: Should the current Constitution be wholly replaced with a new Constitution
or should the current Constitution continue but with some needed changes?

We need a new Constitution

The current Constitution should continue but with some needed changes
The Constitution does not need to be changed
Don't Know

National

33.9

33.6

Sinhala

34.1

33.7

Tamil

34.7

Up Country Tamil

38.1

34.4
0

Western

37.6

Central

41

Southern

35.5
25

Northern
Eastern

3.6

34.2
20.3

25
12.7

30.4

15.4
38.5

11.3
15.9

30.9
28

50

19.7

8.1
34.2

36.6

25

15.5

5.6

39.5

25.2

Sabaragamuwa

100

15.3

49.3

17.1

21.5

14.9

45.7

Uva

25

75

37

41.8

North Central

8.3
8.6

21.2

27.4

North Western

23.5

31.5

25.4

17.2

12

50

27.8

18.7

14.9

29.8

28.6

Muslim

13.7

75

8.3
100

Page 18 of 35

Graph 2.2: Do you support the complete abolition of the Executive Presidential
system?
Yes

National

35.7

Sinhala

36.6

Tamil

No

Don't know

40.3
41.1

33.9

25

47.8
48.8

Northern

36.1

Eastern

36.3

21.3
36.2

15.1

32.8
44

11.2

39.9

32.8

Sabaragamuwa

30.5
52.4

48.6

Uva

23.4

33.3

38.7

North Central

100

21.2

27.4

27.8

North Western

75

42

24.7

Southern

21.6

50

36.7

Central

28.6

49.2

0
Western

35.3

32.1

29.2

Muslim

22.3

30.8

39.3

Up Country Tamil

24

25

34.4
40.8

50

15.1
75

100

Page 19 of 35

Graph 2.3: In your opinion, what role should a President of Sri Lanka play? Please
select one answer from this list.

No executive powers but be a symbol of national unity

No executive powers except in protecting the unity of the country
Executive powers should be shared between President and Prime Minister
Don't Know

National

10.1

Sinhala

22.6

7.4

20.9
27.6

13.3

Up Country Tamil

7.2

Southern

9.6

Northern

13.9

Eastern

19.2

North Western
North Central
Uva
Sabaragamuwa

25

10.6

34.8

31.4

22.6

50

75

35.1
17

26.6

18.1

24.9

Central

22
28

33.7

21.1

Muslim

23.1

49.6

17.8

Tamil

Western

44.1

100

36.1

18.1

27.8

17.1

48
49.1

44.4
15.2

24.1
23.6

18

40.8

24.7

5.5 11.8

63.7

19

3.6

60.9

19.5

15.9

24.8
6.5
0

18.2

22.3

17.1

34.6

65
25

50

11.4
75

100

Page 20 of 35

Graph 2.4: In your opinion, what role should a Prime Minister of Sri Lanka play? Please
select one answer from this list.
PM should be the head of the Government, running day to day affairs with other Ministers of the Cabinet
PM and Cabinet should run day to day affairs of the Government on the instructions of the President
Don't Know

National

18.4

Sinhala

20.1

Tamil

62.4
62.7

17

34.9
69

25

Western

36.9
53

8.3
20.2

12.3

59.8

9.2
0

10.5

68.1

7.4

Sabaragamuwa

16.9

74.7

19.6

Uva

19.4
62.9

14.8

North Central

22.1

72.2

Eastern
North Western

100

17

48.2

24.9

Northern

75

58.4

14.9

Southern

20.1
50

24.5

Central

26.3

56.6

10.9

Muslim

17.1

56.7

8.4

Up Country Tamil

19.2

32.8
80.2

25

50

10.6
75

100

Page 21 of 35

Article 2 of our current Constitution states that The Republic of Sri Lanka is a Unitary State
and 63.6% of Sri Lankans believe that it is important to retain the phrase unitary state in the
new Constitution. This opinion is mainly held by the Sinhalese community (77.7%) while only
14.3% from the Tamil, 18.1% from the Up Country Tamil and 28.8% from the Muslim
communities stated the same. It is important to note that almost 60% from the Tamil, Up
Country Tamil and Muslim communities said that they do not know whether it is important to
retain the phrase in the new Constitution. Around 75% from the North Central,
Sabaragamuwa and Western Province said that it is important to retain the phrase while
29.2% from the Northern Province said that it is not important. However, 54.1% from the
Northern Province remain undecided. (Refer Graph 2.5)
When asked if the Constitution should not mention any label, such as unitary state, federal
state, etc. in its description of the State, 46.2% of Sri Lankans said that the Constitution
should mention labels while 15.8% said that it should not mention labels. Almost 40% of Sri
Lankans said that they do not know whether the Constitution should or should not mention
labels. The opinion that the Constitution should mention labels is mainly held by the Sinhalese
community (55.7%) in comparison so the Tamil (15.2%), Up Country Tamil (11.9%) and
Muslim (22.2%) communities. Around 25% from the Northern, Uva, Eastern and
Sabaragamuwa Provinces said that the Constitution should not mention labels while 59.1%
from the North Western Province, 55.9% from the Southern Province and 52.8% from the
Sabaragamuwa Province said that it should mention labels. Almost 60% in the Central and
Northern Provinces said that they do not know. (Refer Graph 2.6)
Because the term unitary state means different things to different people, respondents were
given a list of ideas of what the term means and asked to select the one closest to what
unitary state means to them. The list included One united indivisible country
Where there is only one Central Government and Parliament and no Provincial Councils
Where some powers are exercised by the Central Government and Parliament and other
powers are exercised by the Provincial Councils
A system in which all final decisions are made by the Central Government
A system of Government in which power is shared within one united indivisible country
A country in which the primacy of the Sinhala-Buddhists is protected
49.3% of Sri Lankans said that unitary state means one united indivisible country while 24.4%
said that they did not know. 9.6% selected a system in which all final decisions are made by
the Central Government while selection of other items on the list were less than 6%.
From an ethnic perspective, 58.1% from the Sinhala community, 27.4% from the Tamil
community, 22% from the Up Country Tamil community and 16.2% from the Muslim
Page 22 of 35

community said that it means one united indivisible country. It is important to note that 40.7%
from the Tamil, 42.7% from the Up Country Tamil and 58.4% from the Muslim communities
said that they did not know (Refer Table 2.1).

Table 2.1: The term 'unitary state' means different things to different people. I will read
a list of ideas that we have heard in the past - please tell me which of these is closest
to what the term unitary state means to you?

One united indivisible country

Where there is only one central
Government and Parliament and no
Provincial Councils
Where some powers are exercised
by the Central Government and
parliament and other powers are
exercised by the Provincial Councils
A system in which all final decisions
are made by the Central
Government
A system of government in which
power is shared within one united
indivisible country
A country in which the primacy of
the Sinhala-Buddhists is protected
Don't Know/No Responses

National

Sinhala

Tamil

Up Country
Tamil

Muslim

49.3%

58.1%

27.4%

22.0%

16.2%

1.2

1.4%

0.9%

1.2%

0.5%

4.7%

3.8%

5.8%

6.1%

10.8%

9.6%

9.5%

11.1%

15.9%

5.9%

5.4%

4.8%

8.8%

4.9%

7.0%

5.3%

5.7%

5.3%

7.3%

1.1%

24.4%

16.7%

40.7%

42.7%

58.4%

Page 23 of 35

Graph 2.5: Article 2 of our current Constitution states that The Republic of Sri Lanka is
a Unitary State. Do you feel it is important to retain the phrase unitary state in the
new Constitution?

Yes, I think it is important to retain the phrase unitary state in the new Constitution
No, I do not think it is important to retain the phrase unitary state in the new Constitution
Don't Know

National

63.6

Sinhala

9.6

26.8

77.7
14.3

Tamil

28.3

18.1

Up Country Tamil

16.7

57.4

24.1

28.8

Muslim

5.6

57.8

12.5
25

58.7
50

75

Western

100

73.3 6.5

Central

40.8 10.3

20.1

48.8

Southern

69.8 2.5

Northern

16.7

29.2

Eastern

27.7

54.1
43.5

24.2

32.2
67.9 10.5

North Western

75.9

North Central

50.8 5.7

Uva

25

50

11.7

12.3

43.3
74.7

Sabaragamuwa

21.4

75

11.1

14.2
100

Page 24 of 35

Graph 2.6: Do you think that the Constitution should not mention any label, such as
unitary state, federal state, etc. in its description of the State?
The Constitution should not mention any label in its description of the State
The Constitution should mention labels in its description of the State
Don't Know

National

15.8

Sinhala

14.4
25

Up Country Tamil

25
11.4

15.2

59.7

11.9

63
66.4

25

Western

15

Central

16.6

Northern

55.9

39.5

13.9

59.7
41.9

North Western

11.8

59.1

North Central

10.9

65
26.2
24.3

25

100

60.1

24.2

Sabaragamuwa

75

37.4

23.3

26.4

Eastern

50

47.6

4.6

Uva

29.8

22.2

Southern

38

55.7

Tamil

Muslim

46.2

33.9
29.1
24.1

24.6

49.2
52.8
50

22.9
75

100

Page 25 of 35

Respondents were given a list of statements on the question of religion and the Constitution
and asked to state their level of agreement for each statement. The five statements were A - Buddhism should be given a special place in the Constitution
B - The Constitution should give Buddhism a special place while guaranteeing the religious
freedom of others
C - The Constitution should protect freedom of religion as a Fundamental Right
D - The Constitution should avoid all mention of religion, other than guaranteeing rights to
religious freedom
E - The Constitution should give all religions equal status
From the five statements, agreement was highest for the statement that the Constitution
should protect freedom of religion as a Fundamental Right, with 74.4% Sri Lankan saying that
they strongly agree and 15.4% agreeing. 70.6% of Sri Lankans strongly agree that the
Constitution should give all religions equal status.
The disparity in opinion on religion and the Constitution is evident from the ethnic breakdown.
On the question of giving Buddhism a special place in the Constitution, around 77% of
Sinhalese strongly agree that Buddhism should be given a special place in the Constitution.
Around 54% of Sinhalese agree that the Constitution should give Buddhism a special place
while guaranteeing the religious freedom of others. In comparison, 73.3% from the Tamil,
89.2% from the Up Country Tamil and 71.4% from the Muslim communities strongly disagree
that Buddhism should be given a special place in the Constitution. 50% from the Tamil
community, 68.3% from the Up Country Tamil community and 52.7% from the Muslim
community also disagree that the Constitution should give Buddhism a special place while
guaranteeing the religious freedom of others.
Almost 90% from the Tamil and Muslim communities, 96.4% from the Up Country Tamil
community and 63.7% from the Sinhalese community strongly agree that the Constitution
should give all religions equal status. (Refer Graph 2.7)

Page 26 of 35

Graph 2.7: Please state your level of agreement for the following statements A - Buddhism should be given a special place in the Constitution
B - The Constitution should give Buddhism a special place while guaranteeing the religious
freedom of others
C - The Constitution should protect freedom of religion as a Fundamental Right
D - The Constitution should avoid all mention of religion, other than guaranteeing rights to
religious freedom
E - The Constitution should give all religions equal status

Strongly Agree
Disagree

Agree
Strongly Disagree

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Don't Know

National
A

59.5

11.1

59.8

17.3

3.1 3.7

2.34.3

74.4
42.4

5.6

10.2

70.6
0

3.4
12

4.4

15.4
17

19.1

10.9
6.8
1.5

14.5

10.4

16.9

30

1.94.5

60

2.93.1

90

Sinhala
A

77.2

12.9

73.2

16.5

76.4
37.2

17

30

3 2.81.2
3.2

15.2
7.2

63.7

4 2.90.8
2.1

12.7

15.4
20.5

60

1.2
0.8
0.56
10.4

2.5 6

3.8 3.5

90
Page 27 of 35

Strongly Agree
Disagree

Agree
Strongly Disagree

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Don't Know

Tamil
A

3.65.3 0.45.8

73.3

20.9

17.8

62.2

63.8

12
42.7

0.9 6.7

11.4

15.6

0.9
0.4
5.8

15.4

0.4
0.9
3.1

15.2

16.7

89.3

E
0

7.1 3.7

30

60

90

Up Country Tamil
A

3.6
2.41.2

6.1

61

54.2

96.4

89.2

3.6

15.9

20.7

52.4

4.9

20.7
19.3

3.7
3.6

6.1

16.9

8.5
6
2.41.2

30

60

90

Muslim
A

9.2

0.5
8.1

71.4

20.7

22.3

7.6

3.8
45.1

78.4

14.6

53.2

17.7

4.3

92.4

E
0

25

4.3

50

19.4

1.1
3.22.7
5.4
6.5 1.1

75

100
Page 28 of 35

Graph 2.8: Please state your level of agreement for the following statements A - Buddhism should be given a special place in the Constitution
Strongly Agree
Disagree

Agree
Strongly Disagree

National

59.5

Western

58

Central

11.1

46.8

3.6
4.5 1.8

19.1

3.13.7

18.4

Southern
Northern

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Don't Know

Eastern

15.9

3.8 2.7

32.4

0.9
10.5

77.5

13.9

1.4
1.46.9

3.4

3.9 3.20.7
0.4

88.9

19.5

18.7

4.1

48.8

5.7

54.9

North Western

1.1

5.5 4.6

3
24.9

9.7

84.8

North Central

39.3

Uva

0.2

10.1

4.9 7.4

2.20.7
1.9

24.6

2.5

21

96.7

Sabaragamuwa
0

25

2.80.5

50

75

100

B - The Constitution should give Buddhism a special place while guaranteeing the
religious freedom of others
Strongly Agree
Disagree

Agree
Strongly Disagree

National

59.8

Western

60.2

Central

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Don't Know

17.3
27.7

48.4

Southern

2.34.3

10.8

1.34

30.1

Eastern

5.5

27

3.2

51.5

38.5

Uva

4.2

9.7

25

3.1
19

0.8

12.3
1.6

10.7

9.8

2.2
0.7
30.3

86.2

Sabaragamuwa

2.92.1
2.4

33.3

84.8

North Central

6.1

1.4

7.1

14.8

11.5
50

1.1

13

53.4

26.2

North Western

1.9
1.97.1

12.9
9.6

4.3

22.4

73.6

Northern

12

75

0.9
1.3

Page 29 of 35 100

C - The Constitution should protect freedom of religion as a Fundamental Right

Strongly Agree
Disagree

Agree
Strongly Disagree

National

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Don't Know

74.4

Western

15.4

76.4

Central

20.2

57

12.6

Southern

73

Northern

76.4

19.7

13.9

0.7 9.5
1.8
1.1

12.5

2.8 6.9 1.3

23.4

0.8
0.8
0.8
2.4

85.2

North Western

86.9

North Central

50.4

Uva

9.8

25

13.9

0.8

11.6

1.4

2.4
1.6

35.8

82.9

Sabaragamuwa

11.8
0.3
0.2

2.2
2.2 6.3

71.8

Eastern

1.56.7
10.9

11.1
50

0.9
0.9
0.9
3.2

75

100

D - The Constitution should avoid all mention of religion, other than guaranteeing
rights to religious freedom
Strongly Agree
Disagree

Agree
Strongly Disagree

National

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Don't Know

42.4

Western

17

47.7

Central

18.1

10.2

22

29.1

Southern

5.6

8.5
13.8

7.6

9.9

Northern

11.2

14.5

2.4
4.1

17.7

16.3

25.6

25.5

16.3
11.1

50

20.2

55.3

North Western

4.8

23

Uva

15.6
40.1

Sabaragamuwa
0

8.8
9

11.5
17.1

25

11.3

21.5

62

North Central

6.1

17.9

83.3

Eastern

10.3

50

3
0.713.1

11.4

9.7
8

13.1

4.9
12.4

1.4
2.81.4

0.8
2.2
36

16.6
75

10.6

3.1

Page 30 of 35100

E - The Constitution should give all religions equal status

Strongly Agree
Disagree

Agree
Strongly Disagree

National

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Don't Know

70.6

16.9

Western

75

Central

76.7

Southern

1.9
4.5 2.93.1

19.6
13.5

34.3

32.5

Northern

0.4
3.12.73.6

13.6

6.4

1.9
1.9
1.6

10

93.1

Eastern

5.6 1.3

66.9

North Western

12.9
82.3

45.1

Uva

25

11.3

9.4
13.9

6.6 0.8

88.5

Sabaragamuwa

3.2

0.8
4.8

13.9

80.4

North Central

3.2

0.4
2.50.8

2.24.3 3.6

24.6
8.7

50

75

0.9
1.8
100

Page 31 of 35

3
Provincial Councils
When asked if the powers of the Provincial Councils should be increased, 44% of Sri
Lankans said that they should be increased while 31.6% said that they should not be
increased. 24.4% said that they did know. From a Provincial perspective, support for
increasing powers of the Provincial Councils are highest in the Northern (77.8%), Eastern
(60%) and Sabaragamuwa (59.2%) Provinces. 50% from the Southern Province said that the
powers should not be increased while around 40% from the Central and Uva Provinces said
that they do not know. (Refer Graph 3.1)
Graph 3.1: Do you think the powers of Provincial Councils should be increased?

Yes

National

No

Don't know

44

Sinhala

31.6

37.8

24.4

38.4

Tamil

23.8

69.2

9.4

Up Country Tamil

59

12

Muslim

57.3

11.9

25

Western

41.2

Central

39.9

Southern

50

21.4
28.9
30.8

75

100

32.3

26.4

18.4

29.5

41.6

50.5

Northern

19.8

77.8

Eastern

9.7

60

23.2

49.4

North Western

32.8

North Central
Uva

30.4

20.2
27.6

23.8
59.2

Sabaragamuwa
0

16.7

39.4

37.7

25

38.4
32.1

50

12.4

75

8.6
Page 32100
of 35

Those who said that the powers of Provincial Councils should be increased were given a list
and asked which powers they were agreeable to increasing (Table 2.1). More than 80% of
respondents from all Provinces were agreeable to almost every power on the list being
increased, with agreement falling short in comparison for increasing Provincial Councils
power with regard to (i) inward investment and foreign aid, (ii) law and order and (iii) power to
alienate or reallocate State land. However, support from the Northern and Eastern Provinces
for increasing powers for these three items were more than 85%.
In the Southern Province, support for increasing powers in the Provincial Councils ability to
increase more financial resources (63.9%) and powers with regard to rivers and forest
(67.5%) was lower when compared to other Provinces. (Refer Table 3.1)
Table 3.1: Yes answers to list of powers that should be increased (Asked only from
respondents who answered yes to increasing powers of Provincial Councils)
National

Western

Central

Southern

Northern

Eastern

North
Western

Ability to
increase
more
financial
sources

88.3

89.3

79.5

63.9

92.7

97.3

98.3

93.5

62.2

100.0

Hospitals

96.4

98.8

94.4

98.8

92.9

93.2

96.6

100.0

78.3

100.0

Schools

95.7

96.3

96.6

95.2

91.1

92.0

95.7

100.0

84.8

100.0

94.0

93.8

93.2

94.0

89.1

89.3

91.5

100.0

95.7

100.0

82.6

85.5

71.6

67.5

82.1

80.0

82.2

100.0

71.1

93.8

88.3

94.6

77.5

74.7

82.1

86.7

87.1

97.8

71.7

100.0

94.2

97.1

96.6

89.0

89.3

90.7

88.0

97.8

89.1

100.0

93.6

97.5

79.5

92.8

91.1

94.6

94.9

97.8

77.8

100.0

74.2

87.2

49.4

58.5

87.7

89.2

76.9

60.9

42.2

76.7

73.6

77.7

56.2

61.9

94.5

88.0

74.4

51.1

40.0

86.0

72.4

72.3

58.4

50.0

92.9

90.7

76.1

48.9

53.2

89.1

Roads and
bridges
Rivers and
forest
Electricity
and power
generation
Water &
sanitation
Industries
that are
important
within the
Province
Inward
investment
and foreign
aid
Law and
order
powers
Power to
alienate or
reallocate
state land

North
Central

Uva

Sabaraga
muwa

Page 33 of 35

Those who said that the powers of the Provincial Councils should not be increased were
asked if Provincial Councils should be abolished or whether we should continue with the way
things are currently run. Majority support was for continuing with the way things are currently
run, except in the North Western Province where half the respondents said that they did not
know. (Refer Graph 3.2)
When asked if powers of the Provincial Councils are increased whether we need to keep the
Executive Presidency, 43.6% of Sri Lankans said yes while 15.2% said no to keeping the
Executive Presidency. A noteworthy 41.2% said that they did not know. Support for keeping
Executive Presidency if the powers of Provincial Councils are increased was highest in the
North Western (60.3%) and Sabaragamuwa (58%) Provinces. 43.8% from the Northern
Province said that we do not need to keep Executive Presidency if powers of Provincial
Councils are increased. (Refer Graph 3.3)
Graph 3.2: If powers of the Provincial Councils should not be increased, do you think -

Provincial Councils should be abolished

We should continue with the way things are currently run
Don't Know

National

17.6

Western

61.8

27.9

Central

55.3

9.8

Southern

4.7

54.9

26.8

50
14.8

North Central

50
64.8

18.6

Sabaragamuwa
0

16.7

85.4

18.3

North Western

20.6

20.4
81.4

25

50

75

100

*Northern, Eastern and Uva Provinces have been removed from the graph as the total
number of respondents were below 30
Page 34 of 35

Graph 3.3: If powers of the Provincial Councils are increased do we need keep the
Executive Presidency?

Yes

National

No

43.6

Sinhala

Don't know

15.2

46.4

Tamil

41.2

11.7

30.2

41.9

26.7

43.1

Up Country Tamil

39.8

24.1

36.1

Muslim

38.9

25.4

35.7

25

Western

50

39.1

Central

26.9

Southern

11.2

61.8
17.8

16.4

Eastern

39.7

41.1

26.6
60.3

41.8

Uva

7.3

25

48.4
21.5

50

19.4
39.4

9.8
58

Sabaragamuwa

32.3
20.3

53.3

North Central

36.6

43.8

North Western

100

52.8

45.6

Northern

75

20.5
75

100

Page 35 of 35