Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
JVP slams UNP
By Kelum Bandara
The JVP today slammed the UNP leadership for having talks with the government on constitutional amendments.
“We managed to create a public upheaval against the government’s attempt. In this respect, we conducted seminars to educate the masses on the dangers involved in amending the Constitution in a peaceful approach. However, the government was able to distract the public attention from it by engaging the UNP for talks. As a result, we believe the UNP leadership is also responsible for the dire consequence arising from the proposed constitutional reforms,” JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva told reporters.
He said the JVP had received information about plans by the government to introduce legislation during the next parliamentary week to amend the Constitution. The party said that the government would seek to strengthen the executive presidency further through this exercise.
“Initially, there were protests, within and outside, the government against the plan to extend the term of the President. However, the government quelled such protests in a shrewd manner by engaging in bipartisan talks with the UNP. Now, the government has been successfully in concealing matters from the public eye. The constitutional amendment is a matter of serious concern. All the stakeholders have to be consulted,” he said.
Asked whether he would accept the invitation for talks with the UNP, Mr. Silva said that his party had not received any such official invitation yet.
“We cannot respond to what they utter at media briefings. They can inform us officially if they want. There are fax machines, telephones and email facilities for it. However, we believe that what is more appropriate at this hour is to create public awareness,” he said.
Comments - 14
Recommended
You May Also Like
