Sri Lanka has a Republican form of Government. The current constitution was adopted in 1978. Universal suffrage began in 1931. The age of voting is 18 and above.

The executive branch consists of the President and a Cabinet of Ministers headed by the President. The President who is elected directly by the people for a six-year term is Head of the State and Head of Government. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President from among the Members of Parliament.

President His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa	Prime Minister Hon. Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, MP

Economic Policy

The Government is committed to building a strong national economy within a market friendly framework. The principal engine of growth is the private sector. Foreign Exchange liberalization measures will continue and be improved; private foreign investment both direct and portfolio are strongly encouraged through the provision of appropriate incentives. The scope of the private sector is being expanded by encouraging and providing it with the required facilities. New areas of production in agriculture, industry, infrastructure development and the services sector are being promoted. Colombo has a lively stock exchange. Many areas of the economy have been identified and privatised with the view to enhance productivity and further expansion.