Uncertainty over 19th Amendment brought up in Parliament

Monday, 27 October 2014 00:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Ashwin Hemmathagama Our Lobby Correspondent The Government shot down any possibilities of seeking Parliamentary approval for the 19th Amendment to the Constitution during the current Budget debate. The proposed 19th Amendment to the Constitution drafted by Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero supports abolishing of the executive presidency and an increase in Parliament responsibilities.

According to Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management and the Leader of the House of Parliament Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Government has “no plans” to table a draft and it will not be done “following the gossip and rumours”. However, Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe citing media reports found on the internet demanded that a Government explanation and to open up the forum where Opposition political parties could also support to pass the amendment if brought in. “According to some websites, the Government is planning to bring forward the 19th Amendment of the Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero as an urgent legislation. The United National Party supports Ven. Rathana Thero’s amendment, but please discuss with us prior to bringing it as an urgent bill. We support a 19th Amendment. If all agree, we could pass it without a debate,” said the Opposition Leader, who held that the proposed 19th Amendment was happening with the knowledge of President. Minister de Silva responding to the Leader of the Opposition said: “Our Government will not act according to what is published on certain websites. We don’t follow gossip and rumours. We will bring our own Bill independently if needed.”