Discussion on constitutional powers of the President post-19A

Tuesday, 23 July 2019 00:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will hold an informative discussion on the constitutional powers of the President post the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

Chamber CEO Dhara Wijayatilake explained why the discussion is being organised. “Presidential elections are to be held shortly. In taking a decision about how to exercise their franchise, it is very important for the electorate to be knowledgeable about the powers and responsibilities of those that will govern this country.”

The current President came into power on an election promise that the Executive Presidency would be abolished. On 28 April 2015, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution (19A) was passed by Parliament with several amendments being introduced to the original Bill at the Committee stage.

What is the impact of the 19A on the powers of a future President of Sri Lanka? Was there in fact a dilution of the powers of the President and an enhancement of the powers of the Prime Minister and other Institutions? Did the 19A place two drivers to navigate the Government ‘bus’? What would be a good model that will ensure that a future team of two at the apex in Government, whether from a single Party or a coalition will not become estranged?

The eminent speakers who will discuss these issues are, K. Kanag Isvaran, Presidents Counsel and Attorney-at-Law; Dr. Nihal Jayawickrama, Attorney-at-Law; Javid Yusuf, Attorney-at-Law; Neville Ladduwahetty, Author and Independent Analyst and Suren Fernando, Attorney-at-Law. The discussion will be moderated by Geoffrey Alagaratnam, President’s Counsel and Attorney-at-Law and former President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. The event will take place on 26 July at the Auditorium of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce commencing at 3 p.m. Admission by prior registration. Please contact 011 5588882 or email [email protected]/[email protected].