AKD warns of using two-thirds majority to amend laws if mandate is challenged or disrupted

15 May 2025 12:11 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 80 Bookmark

A A A

Colombo, May 15 (Daily Mirror) - President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday said the government will amend laws if someone challenges and tries to disrupt the mandate, while claiming that National People's Power (NPP) has the right to form councils in local bodies where the NPP has secured a majority as per the mandate.

Speaking at the 60th anniversary commemoration of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), he said that the NPP has a clear majority in 152 local bodies to form councils and that councils will be formed in 115 councils on the first sitting day of the councils.

The President said the NPP has the mandate and said that if someone works against the mandate, the government is ready to work as per the constitution, law and politics.

"We respect and are bound to work as per the mandate. No one can play with the mandate. We have a two-third majority in Parliament, if prevailing laws are not sufficient. How can a collection of scraps (small parties) challenge the mandate? They must realize the mandate very well. Let them form councils and run for three, four months, “he said.

He said it is shameful that opposition parties contested the election as divided groups and tries to unite in the council.

"We challenge them to contest any election as united opposition. If they united, they will not get even the results they got as divided groups," he said.

Comments - 80

Ananda Bopage Thursday, 15 May 2025 12:28 AM

Showing the true colors. We all are disappointed for voting to NPP. We were fooled by their lies. I think we are going to face an era that will be worse than the era of R. Premadasa.

97 131

Sunil G. Thursday, 15 May 2025 10:43 AM

..or Gotabaya Rajapaksha.

54 61

Zarook Thursday, 15 May 2025 12:34 PM

PKD, Pacha Kumara no action Pacha talking only. Searching to buy Vitz car for 12 lakhs.

25 37

ICC Saturday, 17 May 2025 10:15 PM

IF THE CENRAL GOVT IS TO BE IN OTHER GOVERNMENT, ONLY THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS ENOUGH.

0 0

Djay Thursday, 15 May 2025 12:18 PM

As if our lives are going to get better with the opposition parties. You have been fooled for a very long time and all of sudden you are very hurt due to what happened for last 6 months. Anything bad happened comparatively?

24 36

Yohan Thursday, 15 May 2025 01:39 PM

Pacha kmara will not survive much longer in power as this reveal he is not suitable to run the country anymore. He will be kicked out by people around early next year.

14 30

S P Thursday, 15 May 2025 06:34 PM

NPP/JVP has no idea of working collaboratively. It’s always challenging, threatening, denigrating and calling everyone other than themselves corrupted and good for nothing. That’s not a very good characteristic for winning friends or for that matter for a national leader.

0 5

Rishan Thursday, 15 May 2025 12:34 AM

Can form.only where you have over 50% majority , that is in 114 councils. Rest it all depends how other parties supports to create the council's. If all opposition party members agreed to form a council, then there is nothing wrong as NPP does not have the required 50% in those areas.

20 89

Gamini Bandara Thursday, 15 May 2025 12:57 AM

The selection of the council head by majority members vote has been a longstanding practice since the inception of councils. This approach is observed not only in Provincial Councils and Parliament but also in smaller elections like Samupakara elections in Sri Lanka. Historically, even the JVP has aided in forming certain councils against the majority party. This is something common in globally. Given this established practice, questioning its legitimacy seems unwarranted.

6 65

Fact Check Thursday, 15 May 2025 01:55 PM

Can you kindly give one example of something common happening globally of forming certain councils against the majority party. Otherwise it is not acceptable.

5 10

Yohan Thursday, 15 May 2025 03:22 PM

I found one for you. 2018 local government election galle municipal council winner was unp but it was slpp tha came second formed the council with the help of other parties and members. Lol. Are you happy now. Dont believe what pachayas party says. Also majority of councils won by unp got toppled later on as slpp and upfa formed alliances later on.

1 11

Lk Thursday, 15 May 2025 01:11 AM

They are trying to fool the NPP government : please teach a lesson for all those opposition parties: They are crafty crook politicians.

90 53

Naushad Farouque Samoon Thursday, 15 May 2025 01:55 AM

President Mr Anura Dissanayaka.! You are spot on and Mr Ranil a failed and lame duck keeps stirring the Victory NPP had all over country??? He cannot and should not interfere and stir mutiny . He should shamed and sent back to retirement in one piece as I always believed he is a conniving yid.??? Yes you have 2/3 majority and use it if need be to scupper these yobs parlimentarians/councillors/ My take as per colombo it is the independents must have a conscious to engage with the Majority Party to form a administration for colombo MC----------Thank you

87 45

Deals Thursday, 15 May 2025 02:27 AM

Please first tell the public the deal you have with RW

21 42

D Thursday, 15 May 2025 11:45 AM

That would explain why nobody is talking about recovering the stolen money anymore.

3 25

Voters Thursday, 15 May 2025 03:58 AM

Ah ah true colours are coming out now.

28 71

Nimal R Thursday, 15 May 2025 04:05 AM

It was a vote of protest for the government for actions such as signing agreements with India without disclosing contents to the citizens of Sri Lanka, weakness in preventing crime and killings etc. Dr Nalin J's swollen headed behaviour and statements during statement media conferences also contributed to the downfall. Instead of talking about amending current laws, the government should correct it's mistakes and continue.

9 63

ajith Thursday, 15 May 2025 04:51 PM

what has signing an agreement with India got to do with local government elections

0 4

Shanaka P Thursday, 15 May 2025 04:38 AM

The history has clearly proven that too much power is detrimental to the country and the rule of law. Learning from the past, it's advisable to abolish the executive presidency as soon as possible. As the government has two thirds majority in the house, they should be pressured to do this soon.

7 54

Perera Thursday, 15 May 2025 04:53 AM

Its time to silence the opposition as Lee Kwan Yu did when he first got power.

48 23

Yohan Thursday, 15 May 2025 01:41 PM

Try and see. Pachaya will not have a place to hide after that. Lol

6 17

Mizaru Thursday, 15 May 2025 05:13 AM

Well done Anura, change the laws. That is why we gave you a 2/3 majority in the legislature. It was not for "Chapping Jack Fruit". Siya is still at large with all the corruption deals on his shoulders. Start with the e=Visa deal.

58 37

last chance Thursday, 15 May 2025 05:13 AM

Very true president, you party has won most number of seats and the majority in most of the councils. When reading the law applicable to These councils it need immediate changes. Unlike in the parliamentary election in this case even the defeated candidates could be taken in, in the place of wining candidates. Change the law applicabal as fast as you can since it is mockery of democracy.

52 18

lion Thursday, 15 May 2025 05:16 AM

How can those opposition parties come together as their policies are different to each other. Let the democracy prevail and allow the majority wining party to run the councils.

36 32

JOHN DICK Thursday, 15 May 2025 12:50 PM

What policies? Stealing? It's one and the same policy.

3 9

Chandadasa Thursday, 15 May 2025 05:46 AM

Well, then it seems that JRJ's biggest evil was the proportional representational method which allowed smaller parties something in parliament, PCs or LGs. The mandate, granted with 2/3 is for a new constitution, scraping presidency.

4 17

Amaran Thursday, 15 May 2025 06:23 AM

NOTHING WRONG in uniting for good purpose. JVP disrupted the country's development by unleashing violence in 1989.

16 52

Ram P Thursday, 15 May 2025 06:27 AM

AKD, you promised to do away with MP pensions, big bungalows to former Presidents and to provide them with reasonable houses, these are things that you could have done with ease but you just ignored them. Why? You promised a new Constitution. Why not appoint a panel with Constitutional lawyers and some parliamentarians to draft one. Nothing done.

2 45

Nihal Thursday, 15 May 2025 06:50 AM

We want to see the words in action. Pls do not talk if you can't act on that way. For an example, we were keen to see MR out of the tax payer funded expensive resident and you did not act as you talked. We are starting the lose our trust if your words.

2 38

Kim Ul Issanayake Thursday, 15 May 2025 06:51 AM

The groan of a budding dictator

10 42

PunkaLatha Thursday, 15 May 2025 07:06 AM

As long as it remains a threat, no one cares. Your voters need to see action.

0 30

nihal jayaweera Thursday, 15 May 2025 07:08 AM

Ohhh What a farce .... pathetic hypocrite .... a real scum ..... nj

10 33

WE THE PEOPLE WANT ALL THE STOOGES WHO ALIGNS WITH THE FOX WIPED OUT OF POLITICS AND INTO RETIREMENT. Thursday, 15 May 2025 07:42 AM

WELL DONE MR PRESIDENT, STAY STRONG AND DETERMINED TO WIPE OUT ALL THE CORRUPT POLITICIANS, THEIR STOOGES SO WE CAN CONTINUE WITH YOUR GOVT TO GET THE JOB DONE. WE THE PEOPLE ARE HAPPY TO READ YOUR STATEMENT AND KNOW WE CAN TRUST YOU TO AMEND LAWS IF YOUR MANDATE IS DISTUPTED, STAY THE COURSE AND MAY THE LORD BE WITH YOU, YOUR PARTY AND ADVISORS. RW'S BRAIN CHILD ALLIANCES DIDN'T WORK EARLIER, SO WASTE OF TIME.

34 9

RanjithT Thursday, 15 May 2025 07:45 AM

Over and over again I said the danger looming for the people. Comrade president just confirmed in no uncertain terms. True to his words during inaugural speech he said WE TAKE DECISIONS AT THE POLITBEAURO. Those who doubt please listen to his speech in the net. Any opposition or dissent will be dealt with brutal force not necessarily physical but with draconian laws that will limit freedom. Mark my words.

9 32

Zarook Thursday, 15 May 2025 08:18 AM

PKD, Pacha Kumara no action Pacha talking only. Searching to buy Vitz car for 12 lakhs.

14 39

Accept the reality Thursday, 15 May 2025 08:49 AM

First of all, you didn't get enough votes in this election even though the Galle face was packed by the people brought from far away places. Accept the fact that people have lost faith in your party.

8 47

Bushel Thursday, 15 May 2025 08:49 AM

Use the mandate, amend the laws and crush the corruption. This is what people expected.

14 23

DPerera Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:10 AM

Two-third majority should be used to abolish executive presidency and not for cheap political gains.

6 43

Gona Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:10 AM

Typical Marxist.

11 42

ajith Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:15 AM

Let the courts decide which way to go

2 36

D Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:15 AM

Use your two thirds majority to bring in a new constitution! Focus seems to be solely on power and not on delivering any results!!

1 32

Sanga Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:30 AM

Good boy

24 6

Ceylonese Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:30 AM

Way to go your excellency, corrupt JRJ, MR

26 11

Sokrates Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:34 AM

My dear AKD. I think you need lessons in democracy. How will you govern in councils if the NPP does not have the majority of seats? Your party cannot pass even a single local law. The current electoral system, which I think is very democratic, gives the right to form a council to those who have the majority of seats, i.e. the electoral votes. If several small parties form a coalition and together they have the majority of seats, they have every right to govern. Even if the party manifestos widely divergen, a consensus for a common manifesto to govern must be found in negotiations, which is democratic, as has just happened in Germany. Even if this leads to crooks, cheats and corrupt people coming to power, they have been elected together by the majority of voters. So AKD blame the voters and not the parties. Changing laws retrospectively against the will of the voters would be the end of democracy.

14 36

Terrence Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:36 AM

By the recent by election the mandate given to you at the Presidential, Parliamentary elections have been challenged by the very voters approximately 2.5 mn voters who decided that they could not support you at all as they experienced the lies of the JVP/NPP in not accomplishing the promises given by you all during a short period of 7 months. If. in any way you try to change the laws of this country to suit the JVP/NPP's greed for power it will be a worse situation of the voters bringing down your voter base further and at that time you will have to strike your breast and intone "MEA CULPA MEA CULPA, MEA MAXIMA CULPA'

4 31

Anthony Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:40 AM

Mr. President you are the President of Sri Lanka and not only for NPP and your supporters. You should be a neutral independent person being the Head of the Country and listen to everyone's comments and accordingly. Being arrogant will not achieve or solve issues. Now its time up to stop praising the tail and get down to serious work where the country and citizens needs are concerned.

3 32

Anthony Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:40 AM

Mr. President you are the President of Sri Lanka and not only for NPP and your supporters. You should be a neutral independent person being the Head of the Country and listen to everyone's comments and accordingly. Being arrogant will not achieve or solve issues. Now its time up to stop praising the tail and get down to serious work where the country and citizens needs are concerned.

4 16

Sokrates Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:41 AM

My dear AKD. I think you need lessons in democracy. How will you govern in councils if the NPP does not have the majority of seats? Your party cannot pass even a single local law. The current electoral system, which I think is very democratic, gives the right to form a council to those who have the majority of seats, i.e. the electoral votes. If several small parties form a coalition and together they have the majority of seats, they have every right to govern. Even if the party manifestos widely divergen, a consensus for a common manifesto to govern must be found in negotiations, which is democratic, as has just happened in Germany. Even if this leads to crooks, cheats and corrupt people coming to power, they have been elected together by the majority of voters. So AKD blame the voters and not the parties. Changing laws retrospectively against the will of the voters would be the end of democracy

9 27

Fhdhjkbgdhfghj Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:42 AM

Very smart AKD, if laws are not enough, create a few more, you have all the rights to do so, the enlightening news is, after RW goes to India, and now all of a sudden, yesterday they had met at flower road, trying to come in to thier decisions, what politics are these people playing with, how the earth, could a lost parties, all of a sudden to get together, this is all crap.

30 5

Banda Thursday, 15 May 2025 10:14 PM

Two third majority is there to strengthen the democracy.Not for anyone's own benefit. What additional right he has? Are you crazy? Everyone is working according to existing laws. Nothing is illegal here. You stupid big heads must understand that first.

0 2

Sapumal Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:48 AM

The law does not exempt him. If he mentions a requirement, he needs to realize that it has long since expired. Following this local government election, there is no mandate. Those who support democracy and freedom will not tolerate his menacing actions. No constitution, law, or political party supersedes the people's sovereign rights. People shouldn't be taken advantage of. We're carefully watching what you going to do.will see.

3 26

Grace Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:48 AM

All empty talks and threats. People have been watching everything for the past 6 months.

8 31

DHA Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:50 AM

Don't underestimate so called "scaps" remember one time you'll too were a small party and how you'll destroyed the powerful Gota and his team....always be watchful people won't tolerate dictatorship ! Be strict at the same time provide for the masses otherwise you'll too will go down the drain.

3 26

sivasunderam Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:58 AM

country can progress only if corruption is totally eliminated and only a NPP government can do that -Govt with absolute power has to use the power to deliver the promises made to the public on elimination of corruption .Do it using the power in legislature

27 5

Russel Harmmer Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:59 AM

Yes, Hon. Prez. you have the voice using 2/3 majority and have powers to amend any laws if necessary and no one cannot object your move, the government will amend laws People's Power (NPP) has the right to form councils in local bodies where the NPP has secured a majority as per the mandate. Please stick on to that Sir.

27 8

Banda Iya Thursday, 15 May 2025 10:00 AM

The tsunami that was sweeping has been subsiding steadily. Last election results were the proof and after the next election, we can see the bottom of the sea.

2 31

P.J.C. Durrent Stubbs - Senior Planter Thursday, 15 May 2025 10:06 AM

Well, NPP has a clear majority in 152 local bodies to form councils and that councils will be formed in 115 councils this what the people expects and not any other robbers, looters and dirty and ugly politicians from SLPP, UNP, SJB,

26 6

SMM Jamaldeen Thursday, 15 May 2025 10:10 AM

Even is all the opposition parties united (however it will never happen as long as RW

18 4

james Thursday, 15 May 2025 10:17 AM

Never give this much power to a guy that talks like a thug

22 32

TKD Thursday, 15 May 2025 10:27 AM

What nonsense is he talking about? Get the message that the people have given you, and focus on fixing your government's shortcomings. Work towards the betterment of the people. Don't get caught in the trap of changing laws retrospectively — it will only further undermine you and your government.

2 26

Herman Perera Thursday, 15 May 2025 10:32 AM

Lots of SOUR GRAPES

0 21

Roger Thursday, 15 May 2025 10:34 AM

AKD lost more votes than any other political for lying and coming to power from 5,000,000 approx to 6,000,000 peak to 4,000,000 now. People lost faith fast. AKD might see Gota next in Asylum

4 26

sipipala Thursday, 15 May 2025 10:38 AM

people have given 2/3 majority to make changes , not for changing the sides of roti..

4 17

Dr. Dee esquire Thursday, 15 May 2025 11:06 AM

The mandate that was given is challenged and disrupted by the very own people who voted for you and gave the mandate! Because of a big load of false promises and failures! At every level!

2 12

Don Thursday, 15 May 2025 11:08 AM

This is a very serious issue. Forming an alliance in accordance with existing law and elect mayors and chairpersons is perfectly ok. The serious issue is their underlying principle of “ anti NPP”. People voted NPP to do a job. There is nothing wrong with NPP vision, roadmap and intended outcomes. May be they are too cautious and slow. Who gave these guys a mandate to go against the achievements of those targets endorsed by people at presidential and general elections? If these power hungry lunatics behave against national agendas, sack them and appoint special commissioners. NPP must have guts to do that.

9 3

saman Thursday, 15 May 2025 11:10 AM

Anura Kumara, that's why people gave you power and not to be fooled around.

10 2

Tavisha Udupihille Thursday, 15 May 2025 11:14 AM

The dictatorship is beginning

3 13

M Fernando Thursday, 15 May 2025 07:34 PM

You are only upset because it is not a English-speaking, Royalist Radala-dictatorship a-la RW, right ? I bet If it was RW doing exactly the same thing, you would not raise a peep in objection !

3 0

Hassanda Thursday, 15 May 2025 11:29 AM

This is the Cheap and Dirty Politics Crested by Ranil

8 5

Rip Winkle Thursday, 15 May 2025 11:29 AM

Sometimes, one has to break the law for the better good. It's common sense and history holds many such examples. The people voted out the colossally corrupt politicians including the Rajapaksa's, Ranil Rajapaksa and the rest for a reason ... to stop corruption. The people spoke at the presidential election and the general election. Yes, the NPP did lose some votes at the recent election and the reason for this is that thousands of government officials and bureauocrats are unhappy with the government's dealing with corruption. Simply put, you can't please everyone. Finally, I wonder what the heck Ranil Rajapaksa is doing getting involved here. Nobody wants the sleazeball, yeah? So I say to AKD, do whatever you need to do to keep all the corrupt elements out of the scene. Jayaweva!!!

12 2

Lakshman maddumahewa Thursday, 15 May 2025 11:36 AM

This AKD theory completely violated basic principles of democracy. It is no surprise that those vehemently opposed democracy at various instances like chopped fingures who first cast votes .Also this principles applies universal no government been formed after taking a majority .ridicules.

4 12

Dr Soori Maripalan Thursday, 15 May 2025 11:40 AM

AKD, do things very quickly before leaving you! Many people have already turned away because you are too slow and Harini - Nalinda are talking too mush of rubbish! Sack that Boru PhD man too before he prins his PhD certificate. That was the first turning pointof NPP>

2 15

ANNE CUNT Thursday, 15 May 2025 11:48 AM

wipe out corruption NOW now means NOW otherwise we cannot develop the country. TAKE STEPS IMMEDIATLY

3 6

Nareskumar Thursday, 15 May 2025 12:12 PM

Govt must not allow any party that ruined and robbed specially UNP ,SLFP SLPP SJP to take a foothold in any council .it will be disaster .Use the two thirds to take controll

10 5

Democrat Thursday, 15 May 2025 12:20 PM

Sir ,we know very well that , it is your one and only desire is to build this country ,which was ruined by corrupt previous regimes ,whose only desire was to cling in to power and enjoy the benefits. Sir if any obstacle coming in your way ,brake them in to pieces ,according to the law of the country. Since you hold 2/3 majority don’t give any chance to the saboteurs. People are firmly behind you.

11 7

Nihal Dharmatileke Thursday, 15 May 2025 12:53 PM

Use the word “deal” sparingly. This word seems to be fallen into wrong mouths, sadly. President should use his powers these failures are the pillars of destruction . I voted for SJB and continue to do so that doesn’t mean I agree to their dirty games. Bad losers let the winner takes it all or kiss their hands no one can cut them at this point.

0 5

Upulpb Thursday, 15 May 2025 01:08 PM

People in this country voted NPP for clean administration and zero corruption. Do not allow crooks to take control of counsels. Even if there is no 50% seats NPP has won all wards in most places. That shows people are still with NPP

12 5

Bhanuka Thursday, 15 May 2025 01:54 PM

Although the government's politicians have shown relatively higher level of good governance and ethical behaviour compared to all previous governments, many people (voters) are not very happy with the strategic direction, and the efficiency and effectiveness of overall management of state activities. However, at the moment, people have faced a dilemma in elections since the all major parties in the opposition and their politicians are extremely corrupt and hence, people know that this opposition is not a substitute to replace this government at all.

3 1

Yohan Thursday, 15 May 2025 02:10 PM

Current local government system is a good system. Major plus points are that it had stopped the preferential votes within a party and the person who got elected within a section is a close person to people within that section. So irrespective of party, you can go and tell him any issue within the area. Also voice of small communities are also covered as any party that can gain around 500 to 2000 votes guaranteed a seat depending on the no of voters in a council. Negative points or areas that need ammendments include giving a virtual bonus seat for winner incase the opposition parties seats tally with the winner. That is the only major change needed.

0 1

Herman Perera Thursday, 15 May 2025 02:30 PM

You still get IDIOTS supporting the People who brought the Country to its Knees,

5 3

222

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.