The UNP categorically stated yesterday that it would not support the proposed abolition of the 19th Amendment.
“This is a prelude to making autocratic leaders,” UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara said, addressing a news briefing held at Sirikotha yesterday.
“The UNP will not assist any measures taken by the Government to terminate the 19th Amendment. The people wanted to abolish the Executive Presidency
when we came to power in 2015. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution reduced the powers of the Executive Presidency by 90%. It also restored the independence of the Elections Commission, Public Service and the Police.
Therefore, we do not find any need to repeal it,” he added.
Bandara noted that the UNP is ready to provide its fullest support to the investigations carried out on the Easter Sunday terror attacks. “We urge the Government to implement the law rapidly regarding the culprits of this massacre. Former President Maithiripala Sirisena is responsible for the huge loss we experienced. He did not convene the Security Council at the relevant time. He was allegedly aware of the massacre beforehand but was unable to handle the situation. There is plenty of opportunity to question him now. Therefore, the government must start punishing the culprits as the first anniversary of the Easter Sunday terror attack falls this April.”
He added that the country is facing a fertilizer scarcity. “Farmers are dismayed due to this reason. The public is facing difficulties due to the high cost of living. The government has only been in power for two months but we observe that the country is deteriorating.”
MP Range Bandara also requested a clarification from the Government regarding the 51,000 graduates receiving employment by March 1. “The Government must clarify their strategy in providing employment for these graduates and what sort of appointments they are going to be,” he noted.
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