Constitutional amendments:

NFF fully backs

Priyanka Kurugala

The National Freedom Front (NFF) will extend its fullest support for the passage of the 18th amendment to the Constitution, its leader, Housing and Public utilities Minister Wimal Weerawansa said adding that more than 160 votes will be received in favour of the amendment.

He was addressing a press conference at the NFF head office yesterday. The first step will be taken to change the 1978 Constitution on September 8. The present Constitution will be amended in several steps, he said.

The Constitution should be amended for the people’s well-being. The present election system too will be changed.

Opposition charges against the amendment are not justified. It is the present Constitution that paves the way for totalitarian rule, he said.

The new Constitution will be accountable to the public and Parliament, Weerawansa said.

“As a party we believe that the present constitution should be amended to make it public-friendly. Our party though is in favour of an executive Prime Minister,” he said. Under the new Constitution, the people can decide whether they will give the mandate to one person for a third term. This will not be decided by the Constitution, he said.

“As a country we need political stability. The new constitution will play a significant role in the country’s development drive,” Weerawansa said.