News

Call for abolition of executive presidency prevents consensus on proposed 21-A

Published

4 years ago

2022/04/23

Thilina Walpola

SJB says SLPP rebels’ proposal doesn’t reflect demand for Gotabaya’s resignation

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) and the SLPP rebel group haven’t been able to iron out their differences as regards the urgently required proposed 21 Amendment to the Constitution meant to address the current political crisis amidst the worst post-independence economic fallout, political sources say.

Parliamentary sources told The Island that the dispute was over the SJB’s push for the abolition of the executive presidency. Both groups have handed over their proposals to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. The SJB, which comprises 54 members in Parliament recently lost one of them when its National List MP Diana Gamage accepted a State Ministry.

Colombo District MP Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC, handed over the constitutional proposal.

SLPP rebel Gevindu Cumaratunga explained that they basically agreed on the urgent need to curtail powers and immunity granted to the executive by way of the 20th Amendment. The SLPP rebels consist of about 40 MPs.

Acknowledging that the members of the rebel group had voted for the 20th Amendment, National List MP Cumaratunga said that they had done so following President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s assurance that a new draft new Constitution would be unveiled within two years after the Nov. 2019 presidential election.

Responding to queries, in terms of the SLPP rebels’ proposal the President should appoint the Cabinet of ministers in consultation with the Prime Minister, restore the 10- member Constitutional Council to ensure transparency in key appointments, including those in the judiciary.

The SLPP rebel group has made this proposal against the backdrop of its formal request to President Rajapaksa that the entire Cabinet, including the incumbent Prime Minister should step down. Cumaratunga emphasised that the group remained committed to their original demands that they had handed over in writing to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Referring to the proposed CC, MP Cumaratunga said that the SLPP had recommended that three civil society members of the outfit chaired by the Speaker should be suggested by the Organisation of Professionals’ Association (OPA), Chamber of Commerce and the University Teachers. The two other main recommendations dealt with the public sector procurement and the denial of foreign passport holders the right to contest parliamentary and presidential elections.

Cumaratunga said that they were still making an attempt to convince the JVP to back their constitutional proposal. “We are still hopeful that a consensus could be reached as the continuing delay caused further deterioration of the national economy. All political parties realise the growing threat due to uncertainty and economic turmoil,” he said.

Responding to the SBJ demand that the abolition of the executive presidency should be part of the proposed 21 Amendment, MP Cumaratunga said that the main Opposition appeared to have changed its stand on the executive presidency. Having asked for a balance of power between the President and the Parliament, the SJB had overnight demanded the abolition of the executive presidency, MP Cumaratunga said.

Cumaratunga dealt with this issue in Parliament yesterday. The leader of civil society group Yuthukama pointed out that the executive presidency couldn’t be abolished as long as the Provincial Councils systems introduced in terms of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution remained.

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Latest News

Sun directly overhead Dodanduwa, Rathgama, Yakkalamulla, Akuressa, Mulgirigala, Ranna, Kalamatiya and Ussangoda at about 12:13 noon today (05th April)

Published

16 hours ago

2026/04/5

Priyan

On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (05th) are Dodanduwa, Rathgama, Yakkalamulla, Akuressa, Mulgirigala, Ranna, Kalamatiya and Ussangoda at about 12:13 noon

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

16 hours ago

2026/04/5

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 04 April 2026, valid for 05 April 2026

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

News

Global ‘Walk for Peace’ to be held in Lanka

Published

16 hours ago

2026/04/5

Thilina Walpola

The internationally recognized “Walk for Peace,” originating from the United States, is set to take place in Sri Lanka starting April 21, 2026, led by the Most Venerable Paññakara Thero and a delegation of twelve monks from the Maha Sangha, President’s Media Division said.

Spanning seven days across the island, this pilgrimage’s purpose and concept are guided by the Buddha’s teaching, “Caratha bhikkhave carikam bahujana hitaya bahujana sukhaya lokanukampaya” (Wander forth, O Monks, for the welfare and happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world).

This program aims to promote peace and lovingkindness within society. It serves as a practical demonstration that peace cannot be attained by force, but must be cultivated step-by-step through mindfulness.

The inaugural event of this program is scheduled to be held in Anuradhapura on April 21, 2026. A ceremony to receive the sacred sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi will take place at 4:00 PM, followed by special religious observances at the sacred Ruwanweliseya premises at 5:00 PM.

Thereafter, the walk will commence from the ancient Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and proceed towards Kandy. Upon reaching Kandy, the Maha Sangha will pay their respects to the Chief Prelates (Maha Nayaka Theros) of the Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters, before visiting the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) to receive blessings.

Throughout the journey, the procession will carry the sacred sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, along with venerated relics from the historic Nilagiri Cetiya, Madanwala Raja Maha Viharaya in Hanguranketa, Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, and the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya.

The walk will conclude at Independence Square in Colombo on April 28, 2026. Subsequently, the venerated relics and the sacred sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi are to be carried from Independence Square to Gangaramaya Temple, Hunupitiya, Colombo by a procession.

The Sri Lankan coordination of the event is spearheaded by Venerable Melpitiye Wimalakirti Thera. The Government of Sri Lanka’s flagship national program, “Clean Sri Lanka,” serves as the principal state partner.

Additionally, the event receives extensive support from various state institutions, including the National Design Centre, the Tri-Forces, and the Department of Information.

At the conclusion of the seven-day walk, a special State Ceremony will be held at Independence Square in Colombo on April 28, 2026. Concurrently, a special exhibition showcasing Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and traditional handicrafts will be organized by the National Design Centre at the Gangaramaya premises on April 28 and 29, 2026.

This exhibition will feature brass items (ceremonial fans, flags, statues, bowls, and pinnacles), lacquerwork (caskets and boxes), clay crafts (bowls and statues), palm leaf crafts (fans and sesath), natural dyeing of robes, Dumbara wall hangings, traditional drums, and traditional paintings.

The primary objective of this cultural program is to contribute Sri Lanka’s Buddhist and cultural heritage to a project in Texas, USA, where the Tripitaka is being inscribed in 10 languages and enshrined within 840 stupas to create a centre for Buddhist education.