Govt shelves move to abolish executive presidency

The government has shelved fresh attempts made by it to enact the 20th Amendment to the Constitution for the abolition of the executive presidency because of objections from the main opposition and a section of the United National Party (UNP), the Daily Mirror learns.

UNP leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with Minister Ravi Karunanayake called on President Maithripala Sirisena and sought the possibility of getting his support to enact the 20th Amendment originally brought by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP).

The President later discussed it with Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa. Mr. Rajapaksa had opposed the idea, according to reports.

Also, it is learnt that the UNP faction that supports Minister Sajith Premadasa is also against the move. They view it as a move to thwart Mr. Premadasa.

Besides, the JVP is also against the move. It wonders as to why there is sudden interest on the part of the government to enact it at a time when the presidential election is about to be declared. (Kelum Bandara)