News
“Rulers have lost ability to govern”
“Premature dissolution possible”
JVP demands an election
by Sirimantha Rathnasekera
The JVP, claiming current constitutional provisions enable a premature dissolution, last week called for immediate dissolution of parliament and holding an election since the ruling party has lost governing control of the country.
JVP Central Committee Member and Legal Advisor, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, told the Sunday Island that the government has proved to be a failure and it should hold elections so that the people could elect a party or an alliance which could rescue the nation from the present crisis.
He said that an election can be conducted after dissolving Parliament by passing a resolution with a simple majority under the 20th Amendment. He claimed 20A contained provisions enabling the dissolving of parliament and the forming of a new government at a time like this.
“In President J.R. Jayewardene’s time Parliament could be dissolved one year after a general election. That changed under the 19th amendment. Under 19A, Maithripala Sirisena couldn’t dissolve Parliament until four-and-a-half years of the previous election. But there was a small loophole that allowed Parliament to be dissolved before four and a half years. Parliament can pass a resolution to that effect. But that needs to be passed with a two-thirds majority. Only then can Parliament be dissolved,” Watagala said.
He said that the provisions relating to dissolving parliament were under Article 70 (1). “As per the latest amendments introduced to the Constitution under the incumbent government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the President may, from time to time, by proclamation summon, prorogue and dissolve Parliament.
Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (d), the President shall not dissolve Parliament until the expiration of a period unless Parliament adopts a resolution requesting the President to dissolve Parliament,” he said.
“Under the 19th amendment, a two-thirds majority is needed (for that). Under the latest amendment, whenever the term two-thirds majority isn’t specified, it is interpreted as requiring only a simple majority,” Watagala said.
He said that if the President can’t run the country properly and if the Parliament is not accountable to the people, a dissolution and new election is possible (even) with a simple majority.
“Parliament should take this serious situation into consideration and do what is necessary,” Watagala declared.
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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