Published on December 2025 | constitutionalism, comparative constitutional law, democratic governance, Sri Lanka Constitution, Bangladesh Constitution, fundamental rights

Constitutionalism and Democratic Governance in South Asia: A Comparative Study of the Constitutions of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

The article examines how the constitutions of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh embody democratic ideals such as popular sovereignty, separation of powers, fundamental rights, and judicial review, while simultaneously confronting political instability, executive dominance, and constitutional amendments. Using a doctrinal and comparative methodology, the study analyses constitutional texts, amendments, judicial interpretations, and scholarly debates. Special emphasis is placed on Sri Lanka’s executive presidency and unitary structure, contrasted with Bangladesh’s parliamentary framework and the judiciary-developed basic structure doctrine. The article argues that despite strong constitutional commitments to democracy, constitutional practice in both states often reflects tensions between legal ideals and political realities. Judicial independence, constitutional morality, and political culture are identified as decisive factors in sustaining democratic governance. The study contributes meaningfully to comparative constitutional law and post-colonial governance discourse in South Asia.