Sole objective of 20A to safeguard country’s unitary status: PM

22 October 2020 02:10 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The sole objective of the 20th Amendment is to safeguard the unitary status of the country and to ensure the nation’s security, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa told Parliament yesterday.

Speaking during the debate on the 20th Amendment Prime Minister Rajapaksa said the 19th Amendment to the constitution destroyed the country’s security.

“Look at what is being revealed at the Presidential Commission on the Easter Sunday attack. It has been revealed that more than 10,000 people had prior knowledge on the attacks. It is shameful that the attack could not be prevented despite prior knowledge,” the Prime Minister said.

“19th Amendment was introduced just to take revenge from one family. The real objective of it was to destroy the Rajapaksa family politically. However the country had to face a disaster in the form of Easter Sunday attack at the end of the day,” he added.

“The country’s unitary status is safeguarded by the Executive President. This is the mandate which is given to the executive President by the people. One has to understand that President also given a mandate just like Parliament,” he also said.

The Prime Minister then elaborated on the shortcomings of certain aspects of 19th Amendment. “Those who introduced the 19th Amendment claims that an independent election commission was set up as a result of that legislation. Is the election commission independent?. One member of it is engaged in politics openly. He himself filed legal action calling for the postponement of the general election. There are civil members in the constitutional council. They are really representatives of NGOs. ,” the Prime Minister said in that regard.

“They say the independent Audit Commission which was set up under the 19th Amendment is to be abolished through the 20th Amendment. Did the independent commission audit the anti-corruption unit set up at the Temple Trees during the last regime? Salaries were paid to members of this unit illegally. The Attorney General’s Department said that this unit was illegal,” he said.

“The 20th Amendment is a temporary measure. It is introduced to see that the state functions smoothly till a new constitution is enacted,” he said.

The Prime Minister then urged the members of Parliament to support the new legislation.(Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)

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Comments - 18

Ram Thursday, 22 October 2020 02:19 AM

OR receive more power to the head of State and escape auditing of a few departments and immunity to follow after the Top Man leaving Top Office

Sas Thursday, 22 October 2020 11:43 AM

The clauses were amended. The audit excuse to oppose 20A is no longer valid

NF Thursday, 22 October 2020 03:52 AM

If this is a temporary measure, god bless us when he brings a new constitution in full force. you will not be able to get rid of the rajapakshas till the end of time!

ram Thursday, 22 October 2020 04:22 AM

If someone ask me trust in them completely, that is the sign for abuse. Once people have power without any checking, it will lead into uncontrollable behavior that result in suppression of people's rights.

rajm Thursday, 22 October 2020 04:24 AM

Sinhalese should educate themselves what is individual rights and collective rights. They also learn on how people become democratic dictator and abuse the people who elect them.

Ranjith Thursday, 22 October 2020 05:49 AM

It has another name : DICTATORSHIP !!!

Jayantha S Thursday, 22 October 2020 06:07 AM

Stop lying to the country. And remember, you will be one of the first casualties of this draconian, self-serving 20A

ravin Thursday, 22 October 2020 06:20 AM

What masses can not understand is , JR's constitution was criticized by everyone of you for dictatorship type clauses for past 40 years ?. After 19 amendments if we are going back to what we rejected for 40 , YOU ALL ARE TRYING TO TAKE THE COUNTRY FORWARD OR BACKWARD?

Abeygunaratna Thursday, 22 October 2020 06:25 AM

New meaning for Unitary. One country one family

Odin Thursday, 22 October 2020 06:52 AM

God rest your 'soul'!

Hari M Thursday, 22 October 2020 07:37 AM

Ok to lease the country to another country for 99 years for failed projects that cost millions to the country yet remained closed even many years after it was completed. On these failed projects we pay interest and lease it to the country that benefited. Shame on you and the voters who voted you.

Sammy Thursday, 22 October 2020 07:38 AM

No logic in this explanation. Just an excuse to strengthen the stranglehold of the Rajapakses.

Buddhist Thursday, 22 October 2020 07:38 AM

He should explain this without making blank statements.

Sam Thursday, 22 October 2020 07:57 AM

Unitary status for the FAMILY

Hi-Hi Thursday, 22 October 2020 08:12 AM

He, he, heee!!!

Mahinda Thursday, 22 October 2020 11:53 AM

You have 2/3rd majority and the President. What more do you need to protect the sovereignty of the country. You cannot blame the constitution for appointing a weak person as the President last term. It’s an eye wash.

Antony Jude Thursday, 22 October 2020 12:02 PM

I suspect you and your brother are main culprits of Easter Sunday bomb attack. Sahran and his team was paid by you those days.

Jehan Thursday, 22 October 2020 12:32 PM

Rajapaksa Land, then sold to China and becomes chin lanka.

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Sole objective of 20A to safeguard country’s unitary status: PM

Comments - 18

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