President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

• Writes to Maha Nayaka Theras detailing steps taken bring about economic/political stability
• Supports repeal of 20A if Parliament initiates such a move
• Refers to expert committee he appointed to draft new Constitution
• Says draft will be presented to Cabinet/Parliament
• Says will consider any proposals from Maha Nayaka Theras to deal with crisis situation

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a letter sent to the Maha Nayakas Theras said that he supports the repealing of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution if such a move is initiated by Parliament.

He reiterated that such constitutional change must come with the joint approval of both the President and Parliament.

The President sent the letter in response to the letter sent by the Maha Nayakas of the Asgiriya, Malwatta, Ramanna and Amarapura Nikayas last week addressed to him, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, calling for the setting up of an interim Government to tide over the current economic crisis and for all parties to work together.

Rajapaksa said that after becoming President, he had appointed a  committee of legal experts headed by Romesh De Silva PC as its Chairman to  draft a new Constitution.

“The committee has been holding lengthy consultations with various political parties, various groups and experts over a period of about two years and is preparing a draft for a new Constitution. The draft prepared in this manner will be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers as soon as it is received and then will be presented to Parliament,” the President said.

 The President said the Government has already taken a number of immediate steps to address the economic crisis in the country .

“As the Theras have pointed out, I am aware of the dire living conditions the people are facing. I am working with the Cabinet with expert assistance, based on daily statistics and data. Accordingly, plans for the supply of essential food, medicine, LP gas and various types of fuel to the public are already being implemented under close supervision,” he said.

He said the newly appointed Finance Minister, the Central Bank Governor and Secretary to the Treasury, under the guidance of the international financial experts appointed by him are  taking the necessary steps in consultation with the relevant international financial institutions and friendly countries.

“The International Monetary Fund and the Government of India have already responded positively, and I firmly believe that a temporary solution to the current economic crisis can be achieved within the next few weeks until a lasting solution is found to the current economic crises,” he said.

The President also said he would consider any proposal put forward by the Theras to overcome the crisis situation in the country with the assistance of all political parties.

Cabinet nod to introduce 21A