Go for referendum

Tuesday, 31 August 2010 11:46

The main opposition UNP today urged the government to hold a referendum on the proposed constitutional amendments. The amendments which have been approved by the cabinet will be presented to Parliament next week.

While expressing the party's total dissatisfaction on these proposals, UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake told reporters today that the UPFA did not seek a mandate at the last Parliamentary election to introduce such "draconian" constitutional reforms.

Asked if the UNP will challenge the reforms bill in Court, Attanayake said the party will decide on it after consulting their lawyers. (KB)

Comments

-10+48 # Kamiss 2010-08-31 11:59

Under the present circumstances, a referendum is a must as UPFA did not clearly spell out how they were going to change the const during their election campaign. The people must be given a chance to give their verdict.

-7+33 # chris abey 2010-08-31 12:32

Yes referendum is a must.It was not mentioned at any stage during either the presidential or General Elections ,that there was going to be a change in the constituion.We the people vote, so we need to know.This is not somebodys private property to do as they please.The country belongs to the people.

-30+22 # Sere 2010-08-31 12:11

Why spend and waste millions of rupees on a referendum, when the result is obvious!

-45+15 # test 2010-08-31 12:13

UNP can you please keep quiet!!!!!. There is no place for UNP in Sri Lanka now, and for the next decade untill they change the leader

-10+40 # pusa 2010-08-31 12:17

Yes UPFA has no mandate to make these kind of changes to the constitution.
Referendum is a must.
Good way of measuring MR's influence to the People.

-39+16 # JEM D 2010-08-31 12:19

This is crazy talk.

When the UNP `made such changes to the constitution did they go for a referendum in 1978. Although they had a 5/6th in parliament they did not have a 2/3rd as per peoples representation under the electoral system at that time. Now however it is different.

The Government is right in doing things the way the current constitution allows it to do. We need to go forward the people have given their mandate to the present President and the Government. Don't block their progress. wait for yur chance when you come to power.

-17+18 # Concerned 2010-08-31 12:22

Didn't the leader of the UNP propose this when he went to the Temple Trees recenlty for tea over chit chat?

-10+15 # Babanis 2010-08-31 12:26

The UNP is day dreaming. The are not prepared for any type of activity with the masses of the country. They should first work on the faults of their own party and then think of asking for referendums. Just wait and see the number of cross overs from the UNP at the time of the vote.

-13+23 # Roshan 2010-08-31 12:32

What is the use of having a referendum when you can adjust the result through computer. The outcome is already known to the public. Do not waste the time and the money.

-6+18 # chat 2010-08-31 12:33

Government should essentially go for a referendum prior to constitutional amendments to ensure the changes of whatsoever nature which is about to be incorporated to the primary legal document of the country is in the public interest of the majority.

-9+23 # athula 2010-08-31 12:38

hold a referendum and select the suitable leader for unp

-12+5 # Tuan Nizam 2010-08-31 13:00

Referendum is unnecessary as the Government doesn't change the entire constitution. They are removing an obstacle so that even Ranil can contest a number of times. The opportunity is open now for Chandrika as well.

-4+14 # arshad 2010-08-31 13:03

JEM D . UNP's then manifesto was to change the consititution to bring in the Executive Presidency and they won with 5/6th majority and going for a referendem was not needed. In this case it it is different and the present consitition itself says for some amendents you have go to the Supreme Court and valso have a referendem. therefore going in for a referendem is a must.

-2+21 # Lam 2010-08-31 13:07

where is constitutional amendments to resolve ethnic conflict

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