By Shamindra Ferdinando

SLPP National List MP and Convenor of civil society group Yuthukama, Gevindu Cumaratunga yesterday (7) told The Island that the sudden eruption of corona cases compelled them to indefinitely postpone planned series of seminars to discuss the proposed 20th Amendment as well as the need for a new Constitution.

 The first seminar was previously scheduled to be held on Friday, Oct 9 from 3 pm at the Public Library, Colombo.

 Lawmaker Cumaratunga said that the proposed Yuthukama initiative was meant to enhance awareness among the public about proposed constitutional reforms against the backdrop of diverse views, including within the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). In addition to Cumaratunga, Kalutara District MP Anupa Pasquel represents Yuthukama.

 Assuring that the project would be launched once the epidemic was brought under control, MP Cumaratunga said that Yuthukama invited the Most Ven Medagama Dhammananda, of the Asgiriya Chapter, SLPP MP attorney-at-law Udayana Kiridigoda, Kushan de Alwis PC, Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya and Prime Minister of Youth Parliament Pathum Ranasinghe.

MP Cumaratunga was also scheduled to address the Colombo Public library gathering.

 Acknowledging the growing challenge faced by the government in the face of the pandemic eruption, MP Cumaratunga emphasized the pivotal importance of maintaining the momentum on constitutional reforms. The epidemic couldn’t be allowed to derail the SLPP’s primary objective to bring in the 20th Amendment as a temporary measure before a new Constitution could be introduced.

 Responding to a query, lawmaker Cumaratunga said that he was among those members of the government parliamentary group, who suggested changes to the proposed 20th Amendment. Acknowledging the need for speedy consensus on the 20th Amendment, lawmaker Cumaratunga underscored the importance of finalizing the now disputed piece of legislation ahead of the budget 2021 presentation in November.

 Asked whether he submitted recommendations in writing in respect of the 20th Amendment, MP Cumaratunga said that he on behalf of Yuthukama handed a set of proposals. According to the newcomer to parliament, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, at a meeting of the SLPP parliamentary group on Sept 21 advised them to submit proposals, if they were really necessary. The President according to MP Cumaratunga pointed out that as their primary task was a new Constitution, those proposals made in respect of the 20th Amendment should be most essential.

 The SLPP parliamentary group is expected to meet at Temple Trees on Friday (9) to further discuss the matter. At their last meeting on Oct. 5, State Minister Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera emphasized the need to address contentious matters.

 Cumaratunga alleged that some interested parties made despicable attempts to discourage them from pushing for improvements to the 20th Amendment. The National List MP said that among those who had called for changes to the 20th Amendment were Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera, Manohara de Silva, PC, and Dr. Anula Wijesundera on behalf of the National Joint Committee, Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya on behalf of the National Professionals Front and several leading Buddhist monks.

 As part of a strategy to silence them, attempts had been made to confuse the public by describing those critical of some aspects of the 20th Amendment as NGO operatives, he charged.

 Responding to another query, Cumaratunga said that President’s Counsel Manohara de Silva was not included in the list of speakers as he represented 9 member committee tasked with formulating a new Constitution. Romesh de Silva, PC heads the committee.

 In addition to Yuthukama, the National Freedom Front with six members in current parliament and SLPP Colombo District MP Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa called for alterations to the 20th Amendment.

 Cumaratunga assured that they were committed to bringing in a new Constitution and realized the 20th was meant to neutralize the 19th until a permanent solution could be found. The lawmaker insisted that the public shouldn’t link their initiative whatsoever with those who introduced the 19th aimed at weakening the Sri Lankan state. 

With nearly a two-thirds majority in parliament, the SLPP had the wherewithal to bring the new constitution making process to a successful conclusion.