MR meets with JVP leaders

By Nuwan Senarathna

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday held discussions with leaders of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution. 

The discussions which focused on the abolition of the Executive Presidency ended inconclusive with the two parties unable to agree on the details of the 20th amendment. However, both parties found common ground in their aim to do away with the Executive Presidency.

JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, noting the discussions were a success, said that his party had pointed out the need of a referendum and requirement of a two-thirds majority in Parliament to pass the 20th Amendment according to the Supreme Court’s determination.

He noted that the JVP backed a Parliamentary system and would not oppose to bringing changes to the current electoral system. 

“We have reasons to believe if new electoral system brought in that could lead to delimitation process, which might delay elections. Therefore, in the short-term, we suggest to bring some changes to the existing electoral system and look for a new electoral system in the longer term,” he added.

MP Dinesh Gunawardena who participated in the discussion with Rajapaksa said, they would not back the JVP supported 20th Amendment, but abolishment of the Executive Presidency would be backed by them.

The need of changing the electoral system and Provincial Council system was highlighted by the Rajapaksa lead group, noting that if the Executive Presidency is abolished without bringing changes to the electoral system, it could lead to an unstable Parliament.

“Under the preferential vote system, a single political party or alliance would not be able to form a stable government with a considerable majority,” Gunawardana noted.

He said during the discussion Rajapaksa had conveyed that he would be open for further discussion on the abolishment of the Executive Presidency. 

Pic by Indraratne Balasuriya