By: Isuru Parakrama
November 17, Colombo (LNW): The 2024 General Election has ushered in a transformative era for Sri Lanka’s legislature, with an unprecedented influx of new faces in Parliament.
Of the 196 Members of Parliament (MPs) elected at the district level, a remarkable 146 are entering Parliament for the first time, signifying a wave of change in the island nation’s political landscape.
The National People’s Power (NPP) has emerged as the dominant political force, achieving a decisive victory with 141 district-level seats. Amongst these, an astounding 130 MPs are newcomers, marking a significant generational and ideological shift within the parliamentary framework.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), securing 35 seats, also reflects this trend, with eight first-time MPs amongst its representatives.
However, the party’s veteran presence remains robust, as 27 of its members are returning MPs.
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), once a powerhouse in national politics, saw its representation diminish drastically, electing only one new MP. Similarly, the Ilankei Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), which claimed six seats, brought three newcomers into the legislative body. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) added one first-time MP to its ranks.
Meanwhile, the New Democratic Front (NDF) secured three seats, all occupied by seasoned Parliamentarians.
As the newly elected MPs prepare to assume office, attention also turns to the allocation of 29 national list seats, which are expected to include a significant number of fresh faces. This will further bolster the count of first-timers, pushing the threshold well beyond 150 and reinforcing the historic nature of this election.
Political analysts suggest that this influx of new representatives signals the electorate’s clear demand for a departure from traditional politics.
This can also be viewed as a mandate for transformative governance, with voters placing their trust in a new generation of leaders to address the nation’s pressing challenges, analysts told LNW.
