SLPP seeks 2/3rd to abolish 19A

• Says 19A removal will make for smooth governance
• Claims 19A created challenges in governing structures
• Says majority Govt. will provide safe passage for development

By Nuwan Senarathna

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday said that they are eyeing obtaining two-third majority of seats in Parliament at the upcoming General Election to repeal the 19th Amendment (19A). 

Prof. G.L Peiris

Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena

The move is intended to bring smooth and effective functioning of the Government said SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L Peiris. 

Speaking to media at SLPP head office, Prof. Peiris said that getting two-third majority to pass necessary legislatures in the Parliament is essential to repeal the 19A and ensure a smooth functioning Government. 

He said a strong Government would be needed to implement the changes promised during the Presidential Election. He stressed that all promises made in the manifesto would be delivered in timely manner.

“The 19th Amendment created challenges to State’s governing structure. These challenges needs to be address first. Otherwise, we might have to face great challenges in future that will affect the country’s future development projects,” he said.

Prof. Peiris claimed the 19th Amendment had created administrative challenges that negatively affected overall governance of the State. He argued that 19A created an uncertainty among the public about the certain administrative decisions.

“The Inspector General of Police (IGP) was arrested and he was remanded but the Government was unable to appoint new IGP. This is not healthy for the Government. Those challenging regulations needs to be amended for a smooth governing structure,” he added.

Speaking at the same press conference, Irrigation and Rural Development State Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena joined in the criticism of 19A, arguing that it created administrative challenges in the State.

Responding to a question as to why the SLPP MPs voted in favour of 19A, Abeywardena argued that political situation at the time led them to vote in favour of the constitutional amendment.

“The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) decided to let former President Maithripala Sirisena to make the final call about the Amendment. Therefore we as a group decided to vote in favour of the amendment,” he added.

Abeywardena claimed former President Maithripala Sirisena assured that he would bring 20th Amendment in two weeks, which also led them to back 19A. “We realise the negative impact of the 19th Amendment that is why we are requesting the public to vote us to form a Government with a two-third majority to make the necessary changes,” he said. 

PiX by Sameera Wijesinghe