The private sector via the Joint Chambers has written to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa calling for the abolition of the 20th Amendment.

The Joint Chambers in their submissions titled “Current Economic and Political Situation” raised concerns that the current political deadlock coupled with growing public unrest could potentially derail the actions being taken to resolve the serious economic crisis faced by the country, and that the absence of political stability could significantly disrupt the successful and speedy completion of initiatives taken thus far.

“Therefore, the Joint Chambers urge Your Excellency, as President, to immediately initiate legislative action to repeal the 20th Amendment to the Constitution which contributed to the present situation. This will be viewed as a historic positive development for this country both from a political and economic perspective,” the letter said.

“This we are confident will ensure a better balance of power between the Executive and the Legislature along with the reintroduction of the Constitutional Council and other independent Commissions that will lead to a more acceptable political framework that could help resolve the current impasse,” it added.

“Once this is done through a consensual approach, we recommend that a bi-partisan national Government is established with the ability to support the economic management team to steer the country out of the current economic crisis and resolve the continuing issues relating to fuel, electricity, gas and other critical elements of the supply chain,” the joint chambers said.

“We are hopeful that by taking these initiatives, a positive assurance can be given to the people of Sri Lanka towards a better future. We trust that Your Excellency will give this appeal the attention that it deserves,” the letter added.

The Joint Chambers comprises the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Sri Lanka Apparel (JAAF), the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Sri Lanka, the National Chamber of Commerce (NCCSL), the Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL), the Chamber of Construction Industry (CCI), the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC), AMCHAM Sri Lanka, and the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI).

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