The Samagi Jana Balawegaya has handed over the draft of a new Constitutional Amendment to the Speaker of Parliament today.
Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa handed over the draft to the SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara at the Opposition Leader’s office this morning.
The proposal was then handed over to the Speaker.
The proposal includes a number of democratic features including the abolition of the Executive Presidency, devolution of power to the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary based on a system of checks and balances, repealing the 20th Constitutional Amendment, establishing independent commissions, and the establishment of a National Security Council.
Speaking Parliament today, MP Premadasa requested the 225 MPs to extend their support to a Constitutional Amendment.
He said they will establish a Constitutional democracy and strengthen a tripartite system of division of powers.
The Opposition Leader said the Constitutional Council will be established instead of the Parliamentary Council.
He said they will add new meaning to prioritizing national security by ensuring provisions for the establishment of a National Security Council within the new Constitutional Amendment.
Joining the debate, MP Namal Rajapaksa praised the Opposition Leader of bringing up Executive powers.
MP Rajapaksa claimed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa according to the ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ policy statement conducted discussions pertaining to a new Constitutional amendment.
He said many politicians’ tabled proposals pertaining to abolishing the Executive Presidency claiming however no political party paid attention to the matter futuristically.
The Parliamentarian said he believes the opposition will pay attention to the new Constitutional amendment futuristically.
