[graemep]

In 1971 there was an insurrection that nearly succeeded in overthrowing the government so the emergency was initially justified.

I think we have different definition of authoritarian: yours is broader. Sri Lanka did continue to have elections and changes of government even at its worst, but I would only call it authoritarian in the period when there was clearly a lack of freedom of the press (when journalists risked being disappeared).

My definition strengthens your point as by that time Sri Lanka had a presidential system.