SJB calls for all democratic forces to unite against repealing of 19A

• Says 18A removed checks and balances and opened part prolonged dictatorship 
• Calls on all citizens to unite behind SJB to prevent democratic progresses brought by 19A being dismantled
• Alleges that Govt. is trying to dismantle 19A because they are power hungry

By Asiri Fernando

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday called on all democratic forces to unite behind them to prevent the 19th Amendment (19A) being repealed. 

SJB General Secretary and parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma Bandara

The main Opposition party issued a press release yesterday questioning the motives of the Government, which has said it plans to repeal the 2015 amendment. 

SJB General Secretary and parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma Bandara stated that the 18th Amendment of 2010 removed safeguards put in place to prevent the Executive Presidency for leading to a dictatorship. 

However, Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella last week said that the important segments for the 19th Amendment will be carried forth in the 20th Amendment, which will be drafted by Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC.  

“What happened after the 18th Amendment was brought in, the then President, ignoring procedure, removed the Chief Justice and replaced her with some of his friends,” Bandara charged, pointing out that a number of democratic forces united to bring in the 19th Amendment in 2015 with the aim of removing the Executive Presidency and strengthening institutionalised democracy in the country. 

Bandara argues that the independent commissions established via the 19th Amendment, such as the Elections Commission, Police Commission, Human Rights Commission, Public Services Commission, Bribery and Corruption Commission and the introduction of the Right to Information as a fundamental right has greatly improved democracy in Sri Lanka. Bandara called the 19th Amendment a democratic victory. Removing 19A will be a death blow to democracy in Sri Lanka, he added.

The SJB points out that those who cherish democracy should take the speech made by the President at Parliament last week seriously. Bandara questions if the motives behind repealing the 19th Amendment is the desire to consolidate power? 

“The repealing of the 19th Amendment is turning back democratic progress. That will not strengthen the rights of the citizenry but create the climate control them. What should we do at this hour? Do we counties to live as citizens or pick servitude?” Bandara charged.