The Sri Lankan Government has officially abolished the “Janasabha” (National People’s Council), a participatory democratic model designed to increase public involvement in decision-making processes. The decision took effect on 30 September 2024, leading to the closure of the National People’s Council Secretariat.
The “Janasabha” was an initiative introduced by the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) to enhance grassroots participation in governance, drawing inspiration from India’s “Panchayat” system. The concept sought to create a voluntary, democratic structure that would empower peripheral communities to have a say in local decision-making processes. Historically, the need for such reforms has been debated in Sri Lanka, with youth unrest in 1971, 1989, and 2022 often seen as a call for deeper social and political inclusion.
The initiative gained traction in 2022 when the then-government embraced the core idea and included it in the President’s Throne Speech for 2023. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the model, leading to the establishment of a dedicated office with five directors. As part of a pilot phase, 29 model People’s Councils were successfully set up across 24 districts, with strong backing from various communities, including the Veddah community leader Uruwarige Wannila Aththo.
Despite the positive response from the public, interfaith leaders, and community organisations, the programme faced opposition from a few influential politicians within the previous Government. This led to delays in obtaining parliamentary recommendations, despite broad acceptance from the ruling party and the opposition.
The NMSJ, which has been a key driver of social reforms in Sri Lanka, expressed disappointment that the Government had not consulted civil society organisations like theirs before making the decision to abolish the Janasabha. However, the NMSJ clarified that their statement is not intended to challenge the Government’s authority but to emphasise the importance of grassroots democracy. The group remains committed to supporting any future efforts that serve the public interest.
Sunil Jayasekara, General Secretary of the NMSJ, highlighted the organisation’s contributions to significant reforms in the country, including the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, the Right to Information Act (2016), the Election Expenditure Act (2023), and the Anti-Corruption Act (2023). The NMSJ reiterated its willingness to collaborate with the Government on any initiative aimed at enhancing public participation and democratic governance.
