New Constitution: SLFP to present views on interim proposals this week

By Dharisha Bastians

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is expected to finally deliver its observations on the Steering Committee interim report containing draft constitutional proposals this week, Co-Chair of the Management Committee Dr. Jayampathy Wickremaratne said.

The constitution drafting process slowed down considerably following requests by the SLFP and the JVP for time to study the proposals that were drafted and ready for debate eight months ago. The SLFP’s main concern appears to be the abolition of the executive presidency, Dr. Wickremaratne noted. There were “indications” that the SLFP wants to retain the Executive Presidency, he explained

Dr. Wickremaratne said the party appeared to be agreeable to further pruning the powers of the president, but did not favour total abolition of the office.