Video: Don’t bypass historic opportunity: President on 19A

27 April 2015 06:54 am - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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In his address to Parliament prior to the debate on the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, President Maithripala Sirisena said he was the only President who had been so flexible and committed to reducing or curtailing the absolute powers of the executive presidency.

He said several of his predecessors had promised to do so but unfortunately they failed to fulfil their promise and pointed out that appearances did not matter when electing a President but what mattered was a person’s character and his or her commitment to selflessly serve the country and the people instead of themselves.

“Sri Lanka has no international enemies now because of our successful approach towards the international community. The new government and its commitment to enact the 19th Amendment has received immense support from the international community,” the President said.

Urging all MPs to support the 19th Amendment, President Sirirsena told them not to discard this historical opportunity for the much-despised powers of the executive presidency to be pruned.

“This is what the people have been waiting to happen for the past 38 years. So let us not disappoint them,” he said.(Piyumi Fonseka)

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Comments - 19

Peace Loving Lankan Monday, 27 April 2015 01:43 PM

Mr President, you are a very humble person. I hope you will be able to pass this amendment with 2rd majority. Those who oppose should be kicked from the Parliament.

ATHULA Tuesday, 28 April 2015 02:04 PM

Great speech. You are absolutely a great leader. We salute you sir. I hope you live longer to serve the country.

Naufar Ali Monday, 27 April 2015 06:33 PM

Good Luck and wish you all the best Mr. President...

suda Monday, 27 April 2015 04:03 PM

hats off sir

saman Monday, 27 April 2015 03:08 PM

well done sir !!!!!

perera Monday, 27 April 2015 03:07 PM

go for it my3

Mark Monday, 27 April 2015 03:05 PM

We salute you sir , God Bless

Liswom Monday, 27 April 2015 02:16 PM

Geeat speech. A slap on the face for Mahinda via DM Android App

R HEWAGE Monday, 27 April 2015 02:00 PM

WE SALUTE YOU SIR

keethan Monday, 27 April 2015 01:43 PM

We are proud of you president

Great job Monday, 27 April 2015 12:29 PM

Very good move by President and prime minister. Great job keep it up

kukula. Monday, 27 April 2015 01:43 PM

The people of this country will be very grateful to you for this very honest and committed act..Specially for keeping to the promises. May the god lord bless you.

luckyweeramantry Monday, 27 April 2015 01:22 PM

Great Speech By The President.

Sunil Perera Monday, 27 April 2015 01:10 PM

President, God Will Bless You

r k Monday, 27 April 2015 12:47 PM

Very courageous move Well done H.E. When former Presindent enhanced his already powerful position with the 18th amendment Your generosity in voluntarily reducing powers is great. Honourable members of Parliament should also show their generosity in voting in favour of 19A because no other president will offer to do same.

Fassey Monday, 27 April 2015 12:46 PM

Absolutely true. All must vote for the 19A and work for the benefit of the people. This is a historic event no Presidents took this step before although they promised and came to power. We wish our President all the best in his future endeavors.

Rienzie Monday, 27 April 2015 12:42 PM

The country shall be ever grateful to you and others who worked tirelessly for the cause and curse who oppose.

My3Eight Monday, 27 April 2015 12:35 PM

You are a True Patriot... We salute you Sir..

Mithun Monday, 27 April 2015 12:32 PM

Rightly said Mr.President. Congratulations for your great effort.

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Video: Don’t bypass historic opportunity: President on 19A

Comments - 19

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