All MPs must ensure 22A adopted unanimously: Karu Jayasuriya

10 August 2022 10:56 pm - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

While appreciating the submission of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution in Parliament, the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) said it is the responsibility of the people's representatives to ensure it is adopted unanimously.

NMSJ Chairman Karu Jayasuriya said they consider it as a positive step taken to update the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

He said in a statement that It also must be noted that the step should be taken by all who value democracy on September 6 to do away with the attempts to retain a number of crucial powers of the executive presidency as included in the previous draft .

"We highly appreciate the submission of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution to the Parliament which will revoke the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, which paved the way for a dictatorial government by severely distorting the democratic governance traditions of Sri Lanka," he said.

"As the National Movement for Social Justice, we express our gratitude to the President, the Minister of Justice and the Government for standing up for such democratic reforms. It is our expectation that when the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is debated in parliament on September 6, all the members of parliament will stand on the side of the people. We also hope that the amendment can be adopted unanimously after the debate on it. The foremost responsibility of the people's representatives in this country is to create a country where future generations can live happily by working to ensure democracy and the betterment of the people," the statement added.

"In order to fulfil that responsibility, we must focus our attention on the political and economic reforms that must be carried out. This is why we had to fight against the 20th Amendment to the Constitution brought by the previous government and struggle to have it withdrawn. That is why we continue to advocate for social and political transformations including economic reforms that should be carried out for the good of the country. At the same time, the other important point that we emphasise is that although the government is working towards admirable political changes such as the introduction of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which is praised by not only by Sri Lankan’s respecting democratic values but also the civilised world, we as an organisation do not agree with certain measures taken by the government through the use of emergency powers.

We do not condone the harassment of trade union leaders and activists of the peaceful struggle who have made great sacrifices for democracy under any circumstance. We are greatly saddened by these incidents. We are also deeply concerned about reports of what could be considered as abductions. Such events cause both national and internationally negative effects on the country.

We therefore believe that the honourable President must pay personal attention to these matters," the statement further said.

Comments - 19

Mizaru Wednesday, 10 August 2022 11:10 PM

Uncle, you are overage and overrated. You are one who ditched the UNP and joined the looters, the Rajapaksa camp. As such I do not want to see you in politics again. Please retire gracefully. Signing off, the Aragalaya.

Cheers Thursday, 11 August 2022 01:22 AM

Karu you and Yahapalanaya ruined the country in 2015-2019 era giving unwanted powers to Muslims and tamils and Easter attack with 30p deaths. So please respect the majority voters you were rejected and your amendment go home karu

Sarri Junaid Thursday, 11 August 2022 02:49 AM

The same old same old is not enough; the culture of impunity has to change to make real progress. It is time for the younger brighter generation to take charge of governing; and to introduce age and term limits to parliamentarians; something ala the Swedish system. There are enough bright young Sri Lankans who can do a much better job than the current crooked lot.

Ara Thursday, 11 August 2022 05:41 AM

What we need is a mixed electoral system where intellects and people who live the country can get into parliament

Demuni Uduwara Thursday, 11 August 2022 06:45 AM

Can't you include minimum educational qualifications to the entrants to the Legislature and to produce assets and liabilities report whilst handling over nomination. This should be applicable to the entrants to PCs

sam Thursday, 11 August 2022 07:53 AM

Amendment is not what the people asked, far from it.

Dr. K.K. Ariyapala Thursday, 11 August 2022 08:23 AM

22A is not so important, all what we need is the normalcy should prevail in SriLanka and the burdened high cost of living should come down.

Sambo Thursday, 11 August 2022 08:31 AM

Any constitution made by politicians only is of no use to the public as all the benefits are in the favor of the politicians. The committee drafting the constitution should comprise of the BAR association, public and scholars. If not it's all one sided in favor of the politicians.

Citizen P Thursday, 11 August 2022 09:11 AM

For 22 years 22 amendments..???

Mohamed Ifaz Inamdeen Thursday, 11 August 2022 09:15 AM

We saw lot of constitutional amendments in the past. Nothing worked. British has to come again and rule to develop this country.

Spartacus Thursday, 11 August 2022 09:24 AM

The 22A is just watered down version of 19A to overcome the present crisis and public anger. It does not address core issues including thorough protection for minorities.

Jef Thursday, 11 August 2022 09:53 AM

If we start living in the past we will never prosper with bad experience that have put huge dent in our system need to change for good if everyone think positively for ideas that can make a difference to the nation is a key factor for a better future and prosperity this is what we need Karu is very experience person with great personality and a veteran we need to listen and take what best for the nation's future Country need to moove on we simply can't leave in the past ..past is history

Blessing Thursday, 11 August 2022 09:58 AM

He has started to praise RW his all time boss. Not only Ranil and Rajapakshas, we dont want you or your opinions. All of you are part of the team that destroyed our beloved country.

Anthony. R Thursday, 11 August 2022 10:12 AM

Look who's Talking,another Rajapakshas stooge. People have not forgotten how you strengthen the arms of the Looters. This ammendment is just a eyewash, for survival of the present Bank robbers and party. Karu it's high time you retire from politics.

sunil Thursday, 11 August 2022 10:20 AM

why not include an anti defection bill- I am sure no politicians wants that

Karalasingam Sivalingam Thursday, 11 August 2022 10:47 AM

Ranil was always for democracy and transparency. Opponents made Ranil to look like a dictator . Atleast now people should realise the genuineness of Ranil.

UNPer lder than 22 Thursday, 11 August 2022 11:00 AM

Karu, you should retire, and let the younger generation lead. Like all the older generation, you burden the young for your benefit, and the 22A talk is more way for you to get attention for your political ambitions. You can't be president. The Ranil you betray and left to make your own party become the boss now.

Voter Thursday, 11 August 2022 11:51 AM

After the unruly incidents inside the Parliament in 2018 when the Speaker himself was under attack by the thugs Jhonny, Miris Kudu and others, there was no action against the culprits. Karu lost all respect after that.

Loges Thursday, 11 August 2022 06:41 PM

Sir You are absolutly correct But It is difficul to change the old sysytem . Noone loves the country including new papwer editors who can change the opinion of the people.

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.

All MPs must ensure 22A adopted unanimously: Karu Jayasuriya

Comments - 19

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

Proposed wage hike Estate workers appreciated or trapped in election promise?

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Most Viewed in News

Foreigner injured after falling from Lotus tower

A leading hotel in Derby, UK sold to Sri Lankan company

Rupee expected to dip to Rs.310-320 range later this year: FCR

Sajith bars Daily Mirror over liquor controversy

Diana under immigration radar for overstaying visa since 2014

Tharshan Selvarajah makes history as first Sri Lankan to carry Olympic torch

MIRROR CRICKET

Game-changers and record-makers: Statistical standouts from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups

'You won’t see me for a while' – Virat Kohli hints at post-retirement plans

West Indies Women to tour Sri Lanka for T20I series

Nepal’s ex-cricket captain acquitted of rape on appeal

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Government to evoke 2007 circular to take action against non academics on strike

STF officer’s endeavor lit up school children

Sri Lankans in Russian-Ukraine war: Specialized delegation to visit Russia

Duminda’s case against Wijeyadasa’s appointment as SLFP Chairman dismissed

Game-changers and record-makers: Statistical standouts from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups

Mendis’ visa not denied, likely to join team before warm-up games: SLC CEO

Ronaldo tops highest-paid athlete list - Forbes

Warm-up fixtures announced for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024