No practical issue in holding defence subject by President: G.L.Peiris

25 November 2019 05:02 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 6 Bookmark

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There won’t be any practical problem in holding the defence ministerial portfolio by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa despite a grey area in the Constitution in terms of the 19th Amendment, an official said yesterday. Chairman of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Prof. G.L. Peiris said the Constitution stipulates that the executive power of people should be exercised by the President elected by them.

However, he said the 19th Amendment stipulates that the President should appoint Cabinet ministers from among the MPs in consultation with the Prime Minister. He said the President is not an MP and therefore a literal reading of it will offer the idea that he cannot hold the defence portfolio.

However, Prof. Peiris who is a legal academic said the President is obligated to exercise the executive power of people including defence in terms of Article 3 of the Constitution. Therefore, he said there was no practical problem in holding defence as a subject. (Kelum Bandara)

Comments - 6

R.Sivalingam Monday, 25 November 2019 10:03 AM

Sri Lankan(all) needs strong discipline to create the best attitudes. Gotapaya is the best person to create that environment. Sir we are with you. Corruption and cleanliness is the order of the day(current)

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Andrew Silva Monday, 25 November 2019 10:14 AM

Some people work according to the rules. Some people break the rules. Take your pick.

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True democracy Monday, 25 November 2019 10:37 AM

Constitutional amendment targeting one family for political marginalisation amounts to discrimination against said family also not ethical. Therefore 19th amendment should be declared illegal.

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GL Monday, 25 November 2019 10:39 AM

When you are around, there are no issues at all!!

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Wasp Monday, 25 November 2019 11:53 AM

Yes, your God cannot do any wrong!!!

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vithura Monday, 25 November 2019 03:51 PM

Is he the same fellow who had egg on his face when Supreme court failed to uphold the October 2018 coup, which he claimed to be above board!

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