20A: PM in the same boat as SJB– Kiriella

By Saman Indrajith

SJB Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella yesterday said that people had a right to know who had prepared the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and the government should reveal the names of its architects.

Addressing the media at the SJB Headquarters in Etul Kotte, MP Kiriella said: “Those who framed all Constitutions since 1948 are known. In 1948, we got a constitution that had been prepared by Lord Soulbury. The preparation of the Soulbury Constitution. All parties including delegations from Jaffna, Up-country and Southern provinces were given the opportunity to submit their proposals. There was a framer so others could contact him to make suggestions. That should be the procedure. After that in 1970, we had the Republican Constitution. It was framed by Dr. Colvin R. de Silva and others. We had a Second Republican Constitution in 1978 with President JR Jayewardene as its author. President Chandrika Kumaratunga tried to introduce a new constitution – Prof G. L. Peiris was its author. Thereafter, we brought in the 19th Amendment to the constitution. I presented it to the House. It was prepared by Dr. Jayampathy Wickremaratne.”

“Now, we have before us a draft amendment which has no architect. As MPs of the Opposition whom we to question on the content of the draft Bill? Everybody we have contacted in the government told us they were not aware of the content of the draft bill. Justice Minister too says that he did not draft it. We have a right to know who drafted it.”

The MP said that the government should explain to the people who had made the draft bill. “The Prime Minister too is in the same boat as regards the content of 20th Amendment Bill. So, how can the government defend this in Parliament or anywhere else? When the draft bill was presented to the Cabinet, the ministers had been notified that it was there to be approved and not discussed. It would not be that easy when the Bill is presented to Parliament.”