By The Pulseline News Desk
Sri Lankans continue to express strong confidence in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s (AKD’s) leadership, even as many households struggle with economic hardship, according to the latest Confidence in Democratic Governance Index released by the Centre for Policy Alternatives’ (CPA) Social Indicator.
The nationwide survey, conducted between May 23 and June 18, 2026, among 1,240 respondents across all 25 districts, paints a nuanced picture of public opinion: broad approval of the President and the National People’s Power (NPP) government coexists with persistent concerns over living costs and a growing demand for constitutional reform.
Strong presidential approval
The survey found that 75.5% of respondents were satisfied with President AKD’s performance, underscoring the administration’s continued popularity less than two years into office. In contrast, only 29.4% expressed satisfaction with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa’s performance, highlighting the significant gap in public confidence between the government and the opposition.
The findings suggest that the President retains substantial political capital, despite ongoing economic pressures affecting many Sri Lankan families.
Public wants executive presidency abolished
One of the survey’s most significant findings is the continued public support for abolishing Sri Lanka’s Executive Presidency.
Nearly two-thirds (64.1%) of respondents said they supported the abolition of the Executive Presidency, although opinions differed on how urgently the reform should be pursued. While 23.6% said the process should begin immediately, a larger group, 40.5%, supported abolition but felt it was not an immediate priority. Meanwhile, 23% opposed the proposal altogether.
The results indicate that constitutional reform remains an important public aspiration, even if many citizens believe the government should balance it with more immediate governance and economic challenges.
Economy remains the biggest concern
Despite high approval ratings for the government, the survey highlights continuing economic difficulties for many households.
More than half of respondents (51.4%) said their household’s economic situation had worsened compared to a year earlier, while only 18.2% reported an improvement.
Public opinion on the government’s management of the cost of living was almost evenly divided. While 45.3% expressed satisfaction with government efforts, 44% said they were dissatisfied, reflecting the continued financial strain experienced by many families despite broader confidence in the administration.
The figures suggest that although voters continue to support the government’s overall direction, economic recovery remains one of its most pressing challenges.
Positive ratings for governance and disaster response
The NPP government also received favourable ratings in several key areas of governance.
According to the survey, 62.8% of respondents said they were satisfied with the government’s ability to deliver efficient governance, pointing to growing public confidence in state administration and public service delivery.
The government’s response to Cyclone Ditwah also received strong public approval, with 68.6% expressing satisfaction with relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts following the disaster.
The findings indicate that disaster management has emerged as one of the administration’s stronger-performing sectors.
Progress on Easter Sunday investigations
The survey also measured public perceptions of progress in investigating the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.
A slight majority (51.6%) said they were satisfied with the government’s progress in pursuing investigations, suggesting that while expectations remain high, many respondents believe meaningful steps have been taken on one of Sri Lanka’s most sensitive and politically significant issues.
A complex public mood
Taken together, the latest CPA survey reflects a complex but generally optimistic public mood. Strong approval for President AKD and the NPP government’s governance performance sits alongside continued anxiety over household finances and widespread support for constitutional reform.
The findings suggest that while Sri Lankans remain willing to give the government considerable political support, expectations remain high for tangible economic improvements and the fulfilment of long-promised institutional reforms, including changes to the Executive Presidency.
As the government moves forward with its reform agenda, the challenge will be sustaining public confidence while addressing the everyday economic pressures that continue to affect a majority of households.
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