20th Amendment Proposed amendment threatens Buddhism: Ruwan

• When only the Executive is strengthened, the people’s sovereignty is invalidated
• UNP is against any threat to the foremost place given to Buddhism

By Yohan Perera   

Buddhism is threatened by the proposed 20th Amendment to the constitution, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.   

“ Of the four main arms of the government, when only the Executive is strengthened, the people’s sovereignty is invalidated. People’s sovereignty lays on three pillars namely the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary. Media is the fourth pillar. Legislature, Judiciary and the Media are being completely neglected by the proposed 20th Amendment. The purpose of the constitution is to safeguard the sovereignty of the people.

When the sovereignty of the people is violated, Buddhism is threatened,” Mr. Wijewardene said. “UNP is against any move which under which the sovereignty of the people is negated. We Sri Lankans fought against the Cholas and the British Government when our sovereignty was threatened. We also fought to safeguard Buddhism in the past. UNP is against any threat to the foremost place given to Buddhism. If the proposed piece of legislation is enacted, it will destroy the independence of Judiciary. It would not be possible to hold free and fair elections while limiting the powers of Auditor General will also threaten democracy,” he added. “The claim that the President does not have the power to resolve certain issues in the current scenario is false. President was able to take decisions to control COVID-19 under the present constitutional provisions,” he also said.

The claim that the President does not have the power to resolve certain issues in the current scenario is false