The United National Party (UNP) yesterday decided to postpone public awareness programs on the proposed 20th Amendment, which were to be held in Anuradhapura and Kandy this week due to the resurgent COVID-19 situation. 

The party had planned a number of public lectures and awareness programs in both cities on ‘The dangers posed by the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution,’ which was to commence today. 

A statement issued by the UNP said that the decision was taken by Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene yesterday following the new COVID-19 outbreak in Gampaha.

The UNP yesterday warned that the removal of more than 100 public institutions and organisations where the Government had a majority share from the Auditor General’s scope could lead to reduced State revenue. “The Government claims the institutions needs autonomy to grow, but what’s wrong in auditing them? Who will be responsible for their earnings and actions? Why is the Government giving away the power it has with 51% of shares and not seeking to improve transparency and efficiency of these institutions?” questioned UNP member Sudath Jayasundara at a press conference held yesterday, pointing out that it could lead to reduction of revenue for the State. 

Jayasundara claimed that institutions like the National Airline SriLankan Airlines, which was being investigated for mismanagement and corruption, would be removed from the Auditor’s purview. “How will this help to get State institutions to be less susceptible to corruption and malpractice?” Jayasundara questioned, pointing out that it was public funds that were invested in the organisations. 

The UNP also questioned why the Government was keen to remove the President’s and Prime Minister’s offices from the Auditor General’s purview. He argued that the manifesto of the President did not mention such a move during the lead up to the Presidential Elections, pointing out that instead the manifesto claimed that strict anti-corruption measures would be put in place. (AF) 

UNP postpones 20A awareness program, warns of revenue loss due to amendment