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19A: Key changes necessary but consensus on several provisions – SLPP lawmaker

Published

5 years ago

2020/09/2

Sahan Weerasooriya

‘We received two mandates to enact a new Constitution’

By Shamindra Ferdinando

SLPP National List member Gevindu Cumaratunga strongly pushed for a new Constitution instead of bringing in the 20th Amendment in place of 19th Amendment enacted at the onset of UNP-SLFP administration in 2015.

Addressing a media briefing at the Sri Sambuddajayanthi Viharaya and meeting organized in Kandy also on Sunday (30), Cumaratunga emphasized that Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the SLPP received overwhelming mandate at the 2019 presidential and 2020 general election, respectively, to enact a new Constitution.

The leader of civil society group Yuthukama dealt with the 13th, 16th and the 19th Amendments as well as the Proportional Representation (PR) system introduced by the then President JR Jayewardene. In addition to one NL slot, Yuthukama Kalutara district candidate Anupa Pasquel entered parliament.

The ideal solution would be to either abolish/do away with inimical provisions in those amendments, Cumaratunga said, underscoring the responsibility on their part to realize the mandates received at the presidential and parliamentary polls.

Cumaratunga said that the 13th Amendment undermined the country’s unitary status whereas the 16th imposed restrictions on the use of Sinhala language in the North and East and the 19th caused anarchy. Therefore, tangible measures should be taken to abolish/amendment/rectify shortcomings without further delay, he said.

Cumaratunga pointed out how the National Joint Committee (NJC), in a statement issued recently explained the need to address all problematic matters without focusing only on the 19th Amendment. Referring to a statement issued by the Buddasasana Karyasadaka Mandalaya on August 25, 2020, Cumaratunga emphasized that the 19th Amendment wasn’t the only cause for continuing political turmoil and instability.

Therefore, the government should seriously look into concerns expressed by those who really believed in a total constitutional overhaul, Cumaratunga said. The civil society activist acknowledged that an influential section of the government pushed for the 20th Amendment in place of 19th Amendment as enactment of a new Constitution would take time. Cumaratunga said that those who preferred the 20th instead of the 19th Amendment were of the view a new Constitution couldn’t be enacted without public consultations.

Lawmaker Cumaratunga questioned the need to engage in fresh public consultations as the previous government conducted quite large scale countrywide operation in that regard. The procedure included a comprehensive report put out by the Public Representations Committee on Constitutional Reforms and the parliamentary process spearheaded by Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, as the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Constitutional Assembly.

The first meeting of the Constitutional Assembly took place on April 5, 2016.

The Yuthukama leader said that the high profile constitutional reforms process that had been undertaken by the previous government was in the public domain. Those who had campaigned for that constitutional reforms process were routed thrice at the 2018 Feb Local Government poll, 2019 Nov presidential and 2020 August general election, Cumuratunga said.

Now that the SLPP had secured a near two-thirds majority and the required support could be obtained from friendly political parties, the government could go for a referendum. Such a course of action would allow the government to achieve its objective without having to go before the Supreme Court.

Cumaratunga said that consensus could be reached on some provisions in the 19th Amendment. Pointing out that the SLPP government was agreeable to the two term limit on an executive president and the restriction of presidential term to a five-year period, Cumaratunga said that Yuthukama, too, believed those provisions should be retained.

Far reaching change required pertaining to the 19th Amendment was the provision that deprived the elected President to hold ministerial portfolios, MP Cumaratunga said. Emphasizing that Article 4 where the sovereignty of the people was dealt with, specified as follows in Sub Article 4b: “The executive power of the People, including the defence of Sri Lanka, shall be exercised by the President of the Republic elected by the People,” Cumaratunga said all obstacles should cleared for the President to take over the defence portfolio.

Lawmaker Cumaratunga said that it would be better to specify that the President should hold the defence portfolio.

MP Cumaratunga said that the provision that denied the President the right to dissolve parliament one year after the general election, too, should be amended. In terms of the 19th Amendment, the President received the right to dissolve parliament only after the House completed four and half years.

The former government amended the provision that dealt with the President’s power to dissolve parliament in spite of the Supreme Court previously ruling that such a change should be subjected to a referendum, Cumaratunga said. The civil society activist pointed out how President Sirisena struggled to cope up with treasury bond scams allegedly perpetrated by the UNP as he lacked the constitutional power to intervene.

Commenting on the provision that deprived anyone below the age of 35 contesting the presidency, Cumaratunga said that the particular stipulation should be retained. The MP said that he didn’t see any reason why a person at such a young age should contest the presidency.

Cumaratunga also discussed the continuing controversy over amending the constitutional provision that prevented dual citizens from seeking public office. The National List MP said that he would like to discuss the matter taking into consideration Basil Rajapaksa’s dual citizenship (US and Sri Lanka), former Central Bank Governor and now fugitive Singaporean Arjuna Mahendran and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa giving up his US citizenship to be eligible to contest 2019 presidential election.

Lawmaker Cumaratunga said that having left the country soon after the 2015 change of government Basil Rajapaksa could have stayed in the US. Instead, the former SLFP National Organizer returned in April 2015 after the then government initiated investigations, Cumaratunga said. The police arrested and remanded him and he underwent hardship but remained committed for a political role, the MP said. If all dual citizens were prepared to face investigations the way Basil Rajapaksa did, there was no need for the provision to prevent dual citizens from holding public office, Cumaratunga said.

However, Arjuna Mahendran fleeing the country was evidence that dual citizens/foreign citizens shouldn’t be accommodated unless they accepted sole Sri Lankan citizenship, he said.

Cumaratunga said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had set an example by giving up his US citizenship to serve the country. The lawmaker said that Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the wartime Defence Secretary played a significant role while being a US citizen.

The MP said that the stipulation that the President and members of parliament should only be Sri Lankans could be extended to other higher level categories.

Lawmaker Cumaratunga declared his firm support to the Independent Commissions while calling for proper procedures to be followed in making appointments to Independent Commissions. Pointing out that the previous government blundered by accommodating TNA leader R. Sampanthan as the Opposition Leader to enable him to sit in the Constitutional Council, Cumaratunga alleged that was done to manipulate the process.

Of the 10 member Constitutional Council, five are appointed in agreement between the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader.

If the Joint Opposition was given the Opposition Leader’s Post, the whole process wouldn’t have gone awry, Cumaratunga said.

He said that Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa could choose five persons to ensure the proper functioning of the Constitutional Council. The MP said that the need was to rectify the Constitutional Council and the Commissions not to abolish them. Cumaratunga proposed that the President could choose from persons recommended by the Constitutional Council. The President should also receive the constitutional authority to remove those appointed, the MP said.

Cumaratunga said that the SLPP should be sensitive to the sentiments of those who brought the party to power. The lawmaker warned that political parties and the government could no longer continue as if public sentiments didn’t matter. “Look at what happened to the UNP. The UNP was reduced from 107 to 55 (SJB 54 + UNP 1), TNA 16 to 10 and the JVP 6 to 3,” Cumaratunga said, adding that those treacherous civil society elements were taught an unforgettable lesson.

Quoting statements issued by the Buddasasana Karyasadaka Mandalaya as well as the NJC, MP Cumaratunga strongly suggested that much delayed Provincial Council elections shouldn’t be held as the very basis of the system undermined the country’s unitary status or in other words was contrary to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ‘One Country, One Law’ concept.

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Landslide early warnings in force in the Districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura

Published

6 hours ago

2025/12/14

Priyan

The Landslide Early Warning Center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has issued landslide early warnings to the Districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura valid until 1600hrs on 14th December 2025.

Accordingly,
LEVEL III RED warnings are in force in the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Ududumbara, Medadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Pathadumbara, Panvila, Udapalatha, Doluwa, Deltota and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Rideegama in the Kurunegala district.

LEVEL II AMBER warnings are in force in the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Passara, Welimada, Haputhale, Lunugala, Soranathota, Ella, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Hali_Ela and Haldummulla in the Badulla district, Harispattuwa, Pathahewaheta, Thumpane, Udunuwara, Poojapitiya, Hatharaliyadda, Gangawata Korale, Yatinuwara, Kundasale, Akurana and Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district, Rambukkana, Yatiyanthota, Aranayaka, Kegalle, Bulathkohupitiya, Mawanella, Warakapola and Galigamuwa in the Kegalle district, Polgahawela, Mallawapitiya, Alawwa and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Wilgamuwa, Matale, Laggala Pallegama, Rattota, Ambanganga Korale, Yatawatta and Pallepola in the Matale district, Walapane, Hanguranketha, Nuwara Eliya, Kothmale East, Mathurata, Nildandahinna, Thalawakele, Norwood, Kothmale West and Ambagamuwa Korale in the Nuwara Eliya district, and Kahawaththa, Kolonna and Godakawela in the Ratnapura district.

LEVEL I YELLOW warnings are in force in the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Dehiowita, Deraniyagala and Ruwanwella in the Kegalle district, and Kalawana, Kuruwita, Elapatha, Ayagama, Kiriella, Balangoda, Openayake, Imbulpe, Ratnapura, Kaltota, Eheliyagoda, Pelmadulla and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.

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The rights of the fishing community will never be compromised – President

Published

7 hours ago

2025/12/14

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake affirmed that the Government will never allow the violation of the rights of the fishing community, emphasizing the State’s firm commitment to protecting both land resources and the coastline.

The President also stated that the Government will address the challenges faced by fishing communities across the country through discussion and constructive engagement, ensuring sustainable solutions while safeguarding livelihoods.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made these remarks while attending a Special District Coordination Committee Meeting held on Saturday (13) afternoon at the Mannar District Secretariat, convened to review on-going efforts to restore normalcy to public life and rehabilitate infrastructure in the Mannar District following the recent disaster.

Highlighting the urgent need for a permanent solution to flooding in the Mannar District, the President instructed officials to proceed with the proposed flood control project after conducting comprehensive studies to ensure its long-term effectiveness.

Special attention was drawn to the severe impact of the disaster on the fishing sector. It was revealed that approximately 12,000 fishermen are currently unable to engage in fishing activities due to flooding and adverse weather conditions.

The President directed that dry ration packs be provided for one week to fishing families who, although not directly affected by floods, have lost their livelihoods due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Additionally, discussions were held on engaging with the Chinese Embassy to distribute a stock of fishing gear donated by the Government of China to fishermen affected by the disaster.

Attention was also focused on illegal land encroachments within the water catchment area of the Yodha Wewa Sanctuary. The President instructed that strict legal action be taken against individuals obstructing the placement of boundary markers around the reservoir.

It was reported that 70 families in the Mannar District have lost their homes due to the disaster. Discussions were held on rebuilding these houses and identifying suitable land for resettlement. A committee will be appointed to identify the required land within the next two weeks.

The meeting also addressed the expansion of facilities at Mannar Base Hospital and other hospitals, along with restoring health services and normalizing educational activities in the district.

The President further instructed that the Rs. 15,000 assistance provided by the Treasury for schoolchildren be disbursed promptly through Divisional Secretaries, based on recommendations from Grama Niladhari officers.

Extensive discussions were also held on reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges, restoration of water and electricity supply, rehabilitation of irrigation systems, compensation for losses in agriculture and livestock sectors and supporting affected communities to restart their livelihoods without delay

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development and Chairman of the Vanni District Coordination Committee Upali Samarasinghe, Northern Province Governor N. Vethanayahan, Members of Parliament S. Thilaganathan, M. Jegatheeswaran, T. Ravikaran, Sathiyalingam, Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Kader Mastan and Rishad Bathiudeen, along with other government and opposition parliamentarians.

Also present were the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Northern Province Chief Secretary D. Murugesan, Mannar District Secretary K. Kanageswaran, senior government officials, and representatives of the security forces.

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Prioritize rebuilding the livelihoods of disaster-affected communities – President

Published

7 hours ago

2025/12/14

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to give top priority to restoring the livelihoods of communities affected by the disaster. He emphasized the need to expedite compensation payments for damages and to take immediate measures to revive the agriculture, fisheries and industrial sectors.

The President further directed that all compensation payments for crop damage be completed before December 25.

These instructions were issued during a special District Coordinating Committee meeting held on Saturday (13) morning at the Puttalam District Secretariat.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described the recent cyclone as one of the largest disasters the entire country has faced in recent times. He commended the dedicated efforts of the tri-forces, Police and public officials in restoring the lives of affected communities. The President noted that, thanks to their commitment, a significant portion of essential infrastructure including electricity, water supply and roads has already been rehabilitated.

He further emphasized that the Government’s ability to provide such substantial compensation to disaster-affected communities is the result of the strong fiscal discipline of the Government.

Taking into account the challenges that have arisen in the distribution of allowances and aid so far, the President instructed Divisional Secretaries to ensure that compensation is provided strictly to eligible recipients and to fully intervene to prevent any deviation from this policy under any circumstances.

During the meeting, the rehabilitation of damaged highways and bridges in the district was discussed in detail. The President inquired into issues arising during these reconstruction efforts and provided on-the-spot solutions in consultation with the relevant officials.

The construction of the Lower Kala Oya Bridge was also discussed. The President instructed that a temporary bridge be built to meet the needs of the tourism sector. He emphasized that all construction activities should be carried out with a thorough understanding of necessity and proper structural assessments.

The President further highlighted that previous large-scale projects were abandoned without delivering tangible benefits or the intended outcomes. He stressed that future infrastructure development should focus not only on regional needs but also on the broader economic benefits for the country as a whole.

The President inquired about the ongoing efforts to restore electricity supply in the district and emphasized the need to complete these works without delay.

He also reviewed measures being taken to re-establish water supply and instructed provincial authorities to intervene promptly, noting that current well cleaning efforts in the district are insufficient.

Regarding agriculture, the President inquired about preparations by local farmers for the upcoming Maha paddy cultivation. He directed officials to swiftly create a conducive environment for farming, minimize the amount of abandoned land and explore alternative methods to ensure productive use of farmland.

He instructed that all compensation due to farmers be disbursed before December 25, that payments be made regardless of whether the land is in reserves or legally protected areas, and that systematic measures be implemented to prevent cultivation on reserved lands.

The President also highlighted the need for comprehensive soil conservation programmes in areas such as Kalpitiya.

The President emphasized the need to provide fair compensation to those engaged in the livestock sector in order to restore their livelihoods. He also highlighted the importance of obtaining accurate ground-level data and stressed the necessity of introducing legislation to ensure the registration of all livestock farms.

Due to the disaster, 627 houses in the district were completely destroyed, and 20,813 houses sustained partial damage. The President instructed that compensation for the affected families be expedited, emphasizing priority resettlement on government land. Where government land is unavailable, he directed that Rs. 5 million be provided to each family for the purchase of alternative land.

For those whose houses were completely destroyed, the President directed that new housing projects be implemented in a manner that ensures ownership of a house valued at Rs. 5 million for each beneficiary.

Attention was also given to the fisheries sector. Discussions were held on providing assistance for the repair of damaged fishing boats, as well as implementing fair compensation and concessional bank loan schemes for prawn farmers.

President Dissanayake also inquired into the operations at Chilaw Hospital. Authorities informed him that patient admissions and the functioning of several units could resume by next week.

Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government and Chairman of the Puttalam District Coordination Committee Chandana Abeyratne, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody, North Western Province Governor Tissa Warnasuriya, Government and Opposition Members of Parliament from Puttalam District, Local Government Representatives including the North Western Provincial Secretary, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Puttalam District Secretary, Divisional Secretaries, Government Officials, and Security Forces Representatives were present at the event.