Govt. lacks public support to amend Constitution, claims GL

Tuesday, 17 October 2023 01:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says a fresh mandate is required to enact any constitutional amendments
Claims Govt.’s sudden enthusiasm for electoral reforms stems from fear of facing polls
Accuses Govt. of plotting to delay elections scheduled to next year
Stresses there is no flawless election system in any part of the world

Freedom People’s Congress (FPC) member Prof. G.L Peiris yesterday stressed that the current government lacks the necessary public support to enact constitutional amendments.

“To amend the constitution, a fresh mandate is required, as the existing mandate has been compromised in the current parliament,” he said.

The MP made these comments at a press conference held at the party’s head office in Nawala.

“The government’s sudden enthusiasm for constitutional amendments and electoral reforms is not driven by a concern for the people’s welfare but rather stems from their apprehension about facing elections,” he added.

Peiris noted that there has been a nationwide discussion regarding constitutional amendments. He further asserted that as elections draw closer, the government appears to become active and begins to criticise the existing electoral system, employing a dubious strategy to delay the elections.

“Abolishing the office of the President is not a straightforward process, and it would necessitate a comprehensive constitutional amendment to achieve,” he noted.

Peiris slammed the Government for failing to adhere to orders issued by the Supreme Court and said there is no flawless election system in any part of the world.