19th amendment should be abolished: Sarath Weerasekara

7 August 2020 08:07 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 3 Bookmark

A A A

While expressing his heartfelt thanks to those who voted for him, Sarath Weerasekara, who topped in the Colombo District at General Election said the 19th amendment to the Constitution should be abolished soon.

Addressing a news briefing, he said today that they were ready to abolish the 19th amendment when necessary.

He asked whether independence had been ensured from those independent commissions, which were established under the 19th amendment

“These commissions only crippled the powers of public sector employees. It also curtailed the powers of the President,” he said.

It was the President who appointed individuals to some prominent positions in the country prior to the 19th Amendment. However, now it is done by a Constitutional Council.

“We are still experiencing the adverse effects of the 19th amendment, which created much complexity in many sectors in the country.

“Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to abolish this amendment. I anticipate the Cabinet, which will be appointed soon, to take this matter into consideration on priority.

Weerasekara became the first SLFP MP to vote against the 19th Amendment in 2015

Meanwhile, responding to a query raised by a journalist on what sort of ministerial portfolio he would expect from the Government, Weerasekara said that his first preference would be the Ministry of Megapolis.

“This ministry would pave the way for us to commence on a drive for fresh and unprecedented developments to the city of Colombo, which was the original initiative of the incumbent President Gotabaya Rajapaksa,” he added.

However, he stressed that he was prepared to work in any ministry that is assigned to him by the President.

Comments - 3

Farieze Saturday, 08 August 2020 09:39 PM

One part pass law opposite party abolish What political play? We voted you to reduce burden of people not to abolish legally paased parliament laws

0 0

Dalit Sunday, 09 August 2020 05:15 AM

19th amendment is another India directed legislation like the 13. As soon as Sirisena was installed by India with the Indians' block vote in the country, a meeting was held in Melbourne, Australia organized by an Indian woman migrated there from Kenya. The speaker was Siri Hettige a Social Studies lecturer from Colombo University. He was accompanied by an Indian Merchant from Petah. There were Indian agents in attendance. Hettige became the first Police Commissioner and shows how Indians run our politics and the economy within and without. Info from a friend of mine.

0 0

U.S.Rodrigo Sunday, 09 August 2020 06:05 AM

Abolition of the 19th Amendment to the present constitution seems to be an urgent requirement as it is a great obstacle to implement the policies of the new government. However it is only a temporary immediate requirement to facilitate the government policies where almost one year has gone with many disturbances such as corona virus , no budget etc. and can not wait until the introduction of a NEW CONSTITUTION which requires serious long process. Otherwise what is wanted by the country for the smooth operation of the political system is the TOTAL ABOLITION of the present 1977 constitution which has been a massive mess lead to an unpleasant political culture. The new constitution must be framed for the smooth operation of the political system of the country leading to the long term prosperity of the PEOPLE of this country and not for the fulfillment of personal agendas of any party.

0 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.