A special discussion is due to get underway today (27) under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe pertaining to the draft of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution.
The discussion will be held with members of political parties representing Parliament at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said the views and observations of party leaders are expected to be gathered during today’s discussion.
All views and suggestions will once again be submitted before the Cabinet of Ministers.
The draft of the 21st Amendment contains a number of proposals, including limiting the powers of the Executive President, and preventing dual citizens from holding Parliamentary posts.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says a report on the views expressed during today’s discussion on the draft of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution will be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.
Premier Wickremesinghe said the process of introducing the Amendment will be expedited adding that a Gazette Notification in this regard will be issued promptly.
The Premier said the opportunity will then be provided for individuals to lodge petitions at the Supreme Court as well.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said thereafter; the draft will be presented to Parliament for approval.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya has confirmed that the party received a copy of the draft of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution.
The SJB said a committee comprising legal experts was appointed to study the draft.
The party will announce its stance today on the proposed 21st Amendment based on the committee’s recommendations.
Representatives of the 10 independent political parties are due to join today’s discussion with the Prime Minister pertaining to the draft of the 21st Amendment.
Speaking to media Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa said they tabled their views on the Amendment, and will contribute to the positives of the 21st Amendment.
MP Weerawansa said the collective has decided that if their proposals are given due consideration, they will support the passing of the 21st Amendment.
He also noted that the public are more concerned over their hardships opposed to a new Constitutional Amendment adding that the lack of solutions in this regard to date is disappointing.
MP Udaya Gammanpila meanwhile said the draft of the 21st Amendment was presented to the Cabinet of Ministers by Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and was also presented to party leaders.
MP Gammanpila said the group of 10 independent political parties will join today’s discussion in order to reach a consensus on the 21st Amendment.
The National People’s Power will announce its stance on the draft of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution today.
Speaking to NewsRadio Parliamentarian Harini Amarasuriya said the NPP believes the key components of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution should be reinstated.
The MP said the NPP stands for the abolition of the Executive Presidency.
MP Amarasuriya added the NPP is currently studying the draft proposals presented by Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, who formulated the draft, and will support the proposals if suitable for the country based on the party’s views.
