Motion to restrict powers angers President

SUNDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 

The motion to restrict powers of the President and the number in the cabinet presented to Parliament in April as a private member’s bill, with guidance from SLFP seniors, by UPFA Gampaha District parliamentarian Wasantha Senanayaka and was to be debated on the 25th has been withdrawn by the Member himself.

The motion had contained that the cabinet should be cut down to 30 members and the President should hold only the defense portfolio. It is reported that the President had vehemently opposed the motion.

At the cabinet meeting the President had talked against the motion with a rage and the relevant Parliamentarian had been called to Temple Trees, reprimanded and had been asked him to withdraw the motion immediately.

Political analysts say the people in the country have paid attention to reducing the number of ministers in the cabinet and powers of the President. SLFP seniors and various individuals in the country have expressed views that the government cannot go forward without listening to the people and pointed out that the present government came to power promising to abolish executive presidency.