No one can sabotage adoption of a new constitution – PM

 Mar 06, 2017

Two years into its office, the ‘Yahapaalana’ government has still failed to fulfill its promise to pass a new constitution to abolish the executive presidency, to solve the national question etc., which was a key promise of the common candidate at the last presidential polls.

The UNP and the SLFP in the government are divided on this, with the former hoping to bring in a new constitution to fulfill the promise. The latter says a constitutional amendment is enough and opposes the inclusion of anything that should be subjected to a referendum.

Recently, UNP MPs met the PM and noted a new constitution should be introduced very soon, or else, the people would lose their faith in the government. They also said those who are opposing it had joined together with the ex-president and tried to defeat Maithripala Sirisena, but after their loss, they have become close to the president and are trying to change his stand, which should be overcome.

The PM told them that a new constitution would definitely be adopted. The subcommittees appointed for the task have concluded their deliberations, with the remaining work to be completed soon.

Reports say political parties and civil society and other organizations have submitted differing opinions to these subcommittees. The steering committee on a new constitution that meets next week with the PM at the chair will study those proposals.

This committee will decide if a referendum should decide a new constitution, and the fate of the executive presidency, the PM noted. Also, the electoral system, devolution of powers and the provincial councils system will come under discussion.

Decisions taken by this committee will be reported to parliament which will hold a debate, he said, adding that after all those a new constitution would be adopted.

Certain parties might be trying to sabotage it, but it would not be stopped halfway and taken to the end as promised to the people, the PM added.