22 December – 1982 Sri Lankan national referendum: A national referendum was held, giving the people of Sri Lanka the option to extend the life of the current parliament by another 6 years, effectively cancelling the general elections which were due to be held before 1983. 54% of votes were cast in favour of the extension. The referendum was described as a dictatorial move by opposition parties, and was the first and so far only national referendum to be held in Sri Lanka.[1]
