Sri Lanka - November 2024

Sri Lanka held snap parliamentary elections on 14 November, following left-leaning leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s presidential win in October. Dissanayake’s National People’s Power coalition secured a historic super majority in parliament with 159 out of 225 seats (70.6 per cent). This marks the most decisive victory achieved by a Sri Lankan political party since the introduction of the proportional representation system in 1978. Voter turnout was approximately 68.9 per cent, down from 75.9 per cent in the 2020 election. The number of women in parliament increased from 12 (5.3 per cent) to 21 (9.3 per cent). Election observers noted that the election was peaceful and effectively managed by the Election Commission.

Sources: Election Commission of Sri Lanka, International IDEA, ANFREL, The Diplomat 

The parliamentary election held on 14 November saw a record 21 (9.3 per cent) women elected to parliament. This marks an increase from 12 women (5.4 per cent) elected in the 2020 election.  

Sources: ANFREL, The Sunday Times