Mapping Sri Lanka's Political Parties: Actors and Evolutions

Abstract

This report examines the histories of individual political parties in Sri Lanka. Over the course of Sri Lankan history, four political parties have dominated the political landscape: the United National Party (UNP), the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP/People’s Liberation Front), and the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK). This report analyses the histories of these four parties, covering their: (1) History and background; (2) Key figures; (3) Key policy positions and objectives; (4) Party structure and decision-making; (5) External affiliated organisations (where applicable); and (6) Current parliamentary strength, coalition politics, and interests. This report will also examine the histories of fourteen formal (registered) and two unregistered parties that are represented in the current (Eighth) Parliament of Sri Lanka. Additionally, it will look at the histories of two additional parties/coalitions that enjoy substantial leverage in shaping public opinion, despite their failure to secure any parliamentary seats in the current Parliament.