Both 18th and 19th Amendments should be abolished - President

By Yohan Perera   

President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday both 18th and 19th Amendments to the Constitution should be abolished.   

• 19th Amendment prevented a sound government

President made these remarks during a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Housing to mark the 40th Anniversary of the National Housing Authority yesterday morning.   
 Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was also present when President Sirisena made this sentiment but the PM had already spoken before the President.   

“The 18th Amendment to the Constitution is a dictatorial one but the 19th Amendment prevented a sound government,” the President said.   

“Prime Minister, we are accused of pulling the government to either side. This is happening because of the 19th Amendment. People say that it is time to go back and reflect on the mistakes we have made.   

“The 18th amendment is also draconian as it paves the way for dictatorship” the President said.   

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe in his speech thanked Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa for the work he had done in the housing sector. He then stressed the need for technology based houses in line with today’s needs.   

Minister Premadasa pledged to build 20,000 Uda Gammana Villages by the year 2020. He said more than 2,000 Uda Gammana Villages have already been concluded as of today.      

• This is happening because of the 19th Amendment. People say that it is time to go back and reflect on the mistakes we have made
• Prime Minister Wickremesinghe in his speech thanked Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa for the work he had done in the housing sector