UNP open for change on devolution

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) said yesterday it was considering a change in its stance on power devolution and instead opt for a new system of devolution depending on the will of the people. However, it said as of now it would stick to its policy on power devolution based on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake told a news conference that his party would listen to the views expressed by the people and propose a system of devolution accordingly.

“We will leave this matter to the people,” he said.

He said the UNP would include a system of power devolution in the party’s new constitution based on the views expressed by the people.

Mr. Attanayake said the party was also flexible on the scraping of the executive presidency.

He said the party was looking at these options including a Westminster System proposed by Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera, an executive body headed by a Prime Minister directly elected by the people or a depoliticized executive presidency.

He said the party would go public with its Constitution on May 29 and then call for written and oral suggestions from individual parties and civil society groups.

Mr. Attanayake said the UNP would present the final draft of the proposed Constitution in six months’ time. (Yohan Perera)