Sajith says Executive Presidency must be abolished now

Wednesday, 6 April 2022 10:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Calls on Parliament to seize opportunity to end Executive Presidential system
Says such emergency legislation can be brought within the week
Insists people calling in unison for President, Govt. to step down
Reiterates SJB will play no role in current Govt.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday called on all parliamentarians to seize the opportunity at hand and

Opposition Leader

Sajith Premadasa

support legislation to abolish the Executive Presidency.

“The time has come to abolish the Executive Presidency. Let us use this opportunity to change this system and introduce one with checks and balances.

Let us use all the available emergency constitutional tools available and within this week bring laws to abolish the Executive Presidency,” Premadasa said in Parliament.

He said Parliament must reflect the voice of the 22 million people of the country whose pain, fears and hopes are now being voiced on the streets.

“There can be no voice that runs counter to that voice heard on the streets. We are here to represent the people,” he said.

Premadasa said the message from the people is loud and clear and they are calling in unison for the President and the Government to go home.

“The Government needs to change. This entire Government needs to resign from the President downwards. Today thousands of people are saying in one voice that you cannot carry on as usual. Those who are in power have failed to discharge their duties. We have to have a plan that addresses the demands of the people,” the Opposition Leader said.

He added the SJB would not be party to the game of musical chairs that the Government plays to stay in power.