October 03, Colombo (LNW): The Ninth Parliament of Sri Lanka, which commenced on 20 August 2020, officially dissolved on 24 September 2024, marking a notable period in the country’s political history.
Over its four-year tenure, the Parliament experienced a total of 19 vacancies, four prorogations, and held 390 sitting days.
According to a statement released by the Parliament, the vacancies were filled in accordance with Article 66 of the Constitution. In total, 16 new Members of Parliament were appointed across 18 different occasions to fill the vacant seats.
During this time, 241 individuals represented the Ninth Parliament, reflecting significant shifts in its composition.
Amongst these changes, Jayantha Katagoda, initially elected from the national list, resigned, paving the way for Basil Rajapaksa to take his place.
Following further resignations, Katagoda was reappointed, replacing Ajith Nivard Cabral. Similarly, A.H.M. Fowzie replaced Mujibur Rahman after the latter’s resignation, only for Rahman to be reappointed when Diana Gamage’s seat was vacated by a court ruling.
Despite these shifts, no replacement was made for the seat vacated by Harin Fernando.
One of the most significant events during this parliamentary term was the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, which culminated in Ranil Wickremesinghe’s election as the 8th Executive President of Sri Lanka.
Wickremesinghe’s ascension to the presidency created another vacancy in Parliament, which was subsequently filled by a new appointee.
The Ninth Parliament also saw four prorogations, two initiated by Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his presidency and two by his successor, Ranil Wickremesinghe. These prorogations marked important intervals in the legislative process, highlighting the shifting political landscape during a time of economic and social challenges in Sri Lanka.
Throughout its five sessions, the Ninth Parliament convened for a total of 390 days. The first session spanned from August 2020 to December 2021, followed by successive sessions held through to September 2024.
Each session contributed to the legislative and governance efforts amid a backdrop of political turbulence, economic challenges, and public scrutiny.
As the Ninth Parliament dissolves, it leaves behind a legacy defined by significant political transitions, ongoing reform efforts, and a determination to address the country’s pressing issues.
