Future UNP Government would abolish Executive Presidency: Ranil

Wednesday, 15 October 2014 01:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A future United National Party (UNP) Government would abolish the Executive Presidency and reinstate the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, the Opposition and UNP Leader Rail Wickremasinghe said on Monday. He said the 17th Amendment would be reinstated to ensure the independence of Judiciary, Police, Bribery Commission, Elections Commission and the Public Services Commission.

Speaking to media after a meeting with the leader of the Janasetha Peramuna, Ven. Battaramulle Seela Rathana Thera at his office, Wickremasinghe said the party started official talks with the Janasetha Peramuna and the discussions were focused on some burning issues in the country. He said all opposition parties first should come to an agreement on these issues such as abolition of Executive Presidency and eradication of fraud, bribery and corruption from society and then support those common goals. The Opposition Leader said a future UNP government will not go beyond the 13th Amendment to the Constitution to address the ethnic issue but discussions with other political parties on how to implement the 13th Amendment are necessary. Wickremasinghe said the UNP is already holding discussions on these issues and in very near future will seek the support of other political parties, religious leaders and civic organisations in an effort to build consensus on a common platform. Pointing out the need for Sri Lanka to have friendly relations with other countries, Wickremasinghe said a future UNP government would adopt an effective foreign policy, equal to all nations. A government under his leadership would establish law and order, and sustainable peace while focusing on eliminating poverty and developing agriculture, health and education for all people in the country. Speaking at the briefing, Seela Rathana Thera said the discussions with the Opposition leader were very successful and the his organisation will make a decision at its executive committee meeting to support the UNP at the next presidential and general elections.