(Lanka-e-News- 26.March.2015, 12.30PM) It is with great pleasure and utmost delight Lanka e news breaks the salutary news to all those in favor of good governance that the brutal vicious executive presidency that plagued and paralyzed Sri Lanka for 36 long years is to be abolished , with the prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe tabled the 19 th amendment to the constitution in parliament .
When the cabinet met 23rd , a number of provisions in the 19 th amendment that were against the complete abolition of the executive presidency were withdrawn. Accordingly , the provision that the president shall be the head of the government including the cabinet had been excised. Like how in the Soulbury constitution , or constitution 72 or 78, or in any other constitution in the world , where the head of the government is not mentioned anywhere , so it will be in our constitution.
Based on that the government will be the cabinet led by the prime minister (P.M.) appointed by parliament . .
The other change that was accepted at yesterday’s cabinet meeting was : only during the period of the incumbent president Maithripala Sirisena , the president will be also the head of the cabinet of ministers . and that will not be applicable in respect of the presidents subsequently appointed. Thereafter , the cabinet meetings will be headed by the prime minister .
Another change introduced yesterday was , the president shall act in accordance with the advice proffered by the cabinet led by the P.M. In the event of the president not agreeing with such advice , the president shall refer back the matter to the cabinet for review. In such an instance , the cabinet shall take it up in parliament .
When that is the case , a decision shall be taken following a debate in parliament or via a select committee appointed. The president shall then abide by that decision. If on the other hand if the president is not satisfied with the advice given by the cabinet to him , , the final decision shall be made by the parliament . This is an extensive Democratic exercise.
The other change introduced at yesterday’s meeting was , the president being vested with the power to convene parliament if there are important issues pertaining to the nation. These changes introduced with a view to upholding the most valuable democratic values by the new cabinet after the appointment of the SLFP ministers is a fulfillment of the aspirations of the nation that adores good governance , which waited for 37 long years enduring the brutal executive presidency . This change was a fresh blossoming of the hopes of the nation.
Nevertheless when the 19 th amendment with these changes was tabled in parliament by the P.M. , the JHU opposed it.
Ven . Rathane Athureliya Thera of the JVP took the extremist stance and questioned how could the cabinet take such decisions ? As the bill is tabled in parliament , his objections can be raised in parliament or a Supreme court ruling can be sought , in order not to completely abolish the executive presidency , and advance their proposal to curtail the executive presidential powers.
On the contrary , it is the earnest hope and aspiration of the majority in favor of good governance that the executive presidency powers are totally vested in the legislature as proposed by the new government and to be passed in parliament , and not just a curbing of executive powers .
In conclusion , might we specially record herein ,the incumbent president Maithripala Sirisena by acting in fulfillment of the assurance he gave to the people that after he secures the executive presidency he will abolish the executive presidency , and vest those powers in the parliament , had truly contributed towards creating a new free democratic Sri Lanka .He had thereby etched himself permanently in the hearts and memories of the people of SL; and the P.M. Ranil Wickremesinghe who devoted his heart and soul to achieve this goal on behalf of the country , people , democracy and freedom too is certainly going to live forever in their fond memories no less.
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by (2015-03-26 08:17:54)
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2 discussion on this news
Then why wasting money on two seperate elections as presidential and general election. Parliament can propose and elect president soon after general elections. After all no one will be interested to run for presidential elections which has no power.
I think system in India is delecting president by parliament majority.Why can'y we adopt same.
-- by J P S Weerasinghe on 2015-03-26
This amendments will b effective from the next president onwards. The present president will be having the full powers. your web site should educate the general public.
-- by sam appuhami on 2015-03-27
