Maithri sticks to his guns!

Friday, 10 April 2015 00:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Assures fulfilment of promise made to curtail executive powers vested with President
Says 19th Amendment will be presented on 20 April and Parliament dissolution after approval

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday announced that the Parliament will be dissolved after it passes the 19th Amendment to be tabled on 20 April. “I have to fulfil the promise made to the people regarding the curtailment of executive powers vested with the President,” Sirisena said during an address at a public event in Polonnaruwa. “Political party leaders on Wednesday held discussions and decided to present the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in Parliament on 20 April. The Supreme Court’s verdict on the matter has been received and it clearly stipulates Parliament’s influence in reducing the executive powers of the President. After the 19th Amendment is passed we are hoping to dissolve Parliament and call for a General Election. The prevailing situation of disarray will subside thereafter,” President Sirisena assured the people. The Supreme Court has determined that the Bill titled “The Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution” :- a) complies with the provisions of Article 82(1) of the Constitution; b) requires to be passed by a special majority specified in Article 82(5) of the Constitution; c) that paragraphs 42(3), 43(1), 43(3), 44(2) , 44(3) and 44(5) in Clause 11 and paragraph 104B(5)(c) in Clause 26 require the approval of the People at a Referendum in terms of the provisions of Article 83 of the Constitution.

UNP welcomes SC determination

The UNP has welcomed the determination given by the Supreme Court on the crucial 19th Amendment which it campaigned for vigorously. “We welcome the Supreme Court determination which endorses good governance and a shift to governance by a Parliamentary democracy with the President as Head of State,” Minister and UNP General Secretary Kabir Hashim said in a brief statement.