By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday handed over a  private motion to scrap the Executive Presidency and to establish checks  and balances between the pillars of governance.  

Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa told Parliament that  the motion which was handed over by SJB General Secretary Ranjith  Madduma Bandara contains proposals to scarp the Executive Presidency  and to establish checks and balances between the three pillars of  governance. “We have not proposed an Executive Premiership in place of  the Executive Presidency but a system where there is balance of power,”  Mr. Premadasa said.  
“We have also proposed the reintroduction of the  Constitutional Council and independent commissions, the establishment of a  national security council which has constitutional provisions, and the setting up of a state which will work closely with the people,” he  added.  

“We intend taking the nation into an era of transformation, and we expect the support of all 225 MPs to get it enacted.  

Meanwhile, Mr. Madduma Bandara requested the Speaker to  suspend the standing orders and allow the debate to take place as soon  as possible and the subsequent enacting of it.