NPP govt. is out to make Sri Lanka a secular state: Sarath Weerasekera

• Says SLPP would support the NPP government’s endeavour to eradicate corruption
• Points out media is also highlighting much on corruption at times and this kind of approach is not healthy

By Yohan Perera   

The National People’s Power (NPP) government is out to turn Sri Lanka into a secular state by abolishing Article 19 of the constitution, former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Sarath Weerasekera alleged yesterday.  

“Buddhism has to be given the foremost place as per Article 19 of the constitution. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his manifesto has clearly stated that he would abolish Article 19 if elected President. We wonder whether people were aware of this when they gave a mandate to Dissanayake at the Presidential Election. Besides, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya clearly stated during the Presidential Election campaign that her party would turn Sri Lanka into a secular state if elected. Ms. Amarasuriya was involved in the efforts made to change the constitution during the Yahapalana government as well,” former MP Weerasekera told a media briefing.   

“SLPP would support the NPP government’s endeavour to eradicate corruption. However, we will not support change of constitution as a nationalistic party,” he added.   

At the same time the former MP said corruption has been inserted into the minds of the people so much that it has made them develop an anger against politicians.” Media is also highlighting much on corruption at times and this kind of approach is not healthy,” he said.   

Also he said SLPP will perform better at the General Election in November.” One must understand that the General Election is something different than the Presidential Election,” he said in this regard.