President tries to supress power of legislature: Opposition

President Ranil Wickremesighe’s decision to summon a meeting of party leaders today to discuss the Election Expenditure Bill in Parliament which came under fire from the opposition with Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Jathika Jana Balawegaya (JJB) alleging that President is trying to supress the power of the legislature.

The allegation was made by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and JJB Head Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

A heated argument culminated when the Speaker announced that the business committee meeting which was to be held today, has been cancelled to pave the way for the special party leader’s meeting presided by the President and Prime Minister.

Mr. Premadasa said the President cannot interfere with the legislature as it is a violation of a basic principle of separation of powers.

“This is not a Musolini administration or a Polpot regime, no one can interfere with Parliament and get the meetings summoned by the Speaker annulled. We don’t oppose the Election Expenditure Bill but enacting this Bill could lead to a postponement of the local government election, if it is approved by the House. “Anyone can go to Court stating that the local government election could be conducted under the new regulations and call for its abrogation, if the Bill is enacted this week,” he said.

JJB MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said there is no issue if an amendment is made under which the new legislation would not affect the local polls this year.

“We can delay the Bill by a month and approve it later, as there won’t be any other election immediately after the local government polls.

“Also I would like to state that the President may be trying to throw his weight to suppress the legislature by visiting the House and participating in debates,” he said.

Chief Government Whip Prasanna Ranatunga while responding said the opposition's actions are unacceptable.

“One moment the opposition accuses the President for neglecting the House and talks of his failure to become answerable to the legislature and while criticizing him for participating in parliamentary matters at the same time,” he said.

Leader of the House Susil Premajayantha who intervened said the business committee meeting is not cancelled. Speaker later announced that the special party leaders' meeting with the President will be held at 2.30 pm followed by the business committee meeting at 3.00 pm. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)