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Last Updated : 2024-05-09 21:25:00
By YOHAN PERERA
13 February 2024 09:05 am - 59 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Colombo, Feb 13 (Daily Mirror) - Indicating that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) would extend conditional support for the scrapping of the executive presidency, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said his party would support such an amendment but said it has to be implemented after holding an election.
“We believed in executive Presidency initially. However, we have now understood the damage it could cause to the rule of law. Therefore, we have changed our stance on it now,” Mr. Premadasa told the SJB Lawyers Association convention.
“However, we are not favourable towards abolishing the presidency without holding a presidential election or any election for that matter. We insist that people’s right to franchise should not be violated,” he said.
“We understand that one President’s henchmen has been vested with the task of abolishing the executive presidency. He together with some members of civil society have undertaken this task. They are now putting feelers on scrapping the presidency at the moment, saying the time is ripe for this constitutional reform,” he added.
Mr. Premadasa said his party will strive for elections before any amendment of the constitution.
Also, he reiterated that the constitutional council of which he is a member will never become a slave of the President. “Constitutional Council will always make people-friendly democratic decisions and will not become President’s slave.
Ruvin Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:13 AM
We have heard this tune before from many uncles and aunties.
Revamping Needed Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:49 AM
The people will vote their parliamentarian candidate in their area. Then the parliamentarian’s will nominate their Prime Minister
Nimal Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:09 AM
And we still hear it today from the many Grandpas and Grandmas.
Parliamentarians to Decide Tuesday, 13 February 2024 01:43 PM
Parliamentarians who are elected by the people should elect the president and prime minister accordingly. Either president or prime minister will have executive powers
Avery Markham Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:19 AM
So that Sajith can enjoy presidential pension and benefits.
MISREAD Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:51 PM
AVERY, READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ENGLISH ABOVE SAJITH WANTS TO ABOLISH THE EXECUTIVE PRESIDENCY SO YOUR RESPONSE ABOUT SAJITH ENJOYING THE PRESIDENTIAL PENSION IS IRRELEVANT. NO ONE ENJOYS ANY EXECUTIVE PRESIDENCY IF IT IS ABOLISHED.
Kishu Gomes Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:21 AM
Why waste 10,000 million of taxpayers money if the presidency is to be abolished after elections ?
johan Tuesday, 13 February 2024 11:08 AM
It is very simple Interim President has power to dissolve parliament and go for the General Election, if he is truly keen on saving 10 billions on Pres.Election.After that, the new members of the assembly can abolish Executive Presidency with 2/3rd majority.This is called People's mandate even IMF and Europian or any other countries will prefer to help Sri Lanka. No countries will like to help SL now because the governing party has a history of vast amount of corruption and fraud which they will not investigate. Otherwise go for Presidential Election as scheduled this year.
JYOUR COMMENT MAKES SENSE Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:55 PM
JOHAN, YOUR COMMENT MAKES SENSE.
Shalani Tharaka Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:22 AM
Samagi Jolly Boys place for queer clowns.
Mohandev Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:27 AM
Since '77 everyone in opposition dreams of scraping JRJ nightmare criminal dictatorial presidential system but secretly waiting to enjoy it's benefits ASAP
DJ Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:34 AM
Absolutely spot on.
Raj Gonsalkorale Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:29 AM
If one is to learn a lesson from past mistakes, it is not to get a so called "mandate" from the people to change the constitution. The country's experience is that such :mandates" are then maniuvered to suit the objectives of whoever who wins an election. If people knew what was in store for them with the 1978 constitution and the all powerful executive Presidency, it is very unlikely they would have given a mandate for that change at the election. One should note that in 1977, the UNP got approximately 51% of the vote but a 5/6th majority. Basically, half the voters did no give a mandate to Mr J R Jayewardena for him to do what he did in 1978. If one has the brains to learn a lesson, the change to the executive presidency and the constitution should be finalised before an election and then a mandate sought from the people to implement a specific consitutional change. The SJB suggestion is to do the same thing expecting different results. Einstein would say the SJB is insane.
Waco Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:30 AM
Executive Presidency is a MUST in Sri Lanka. Otherwise no Government can perform in the interest of the country. The Executive President must have Real Leadership and Dead Honest qualities. Out of the Present lot Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka is the only who can fit in to this position. If not country will go from bad to worst.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE Tuesday, 13 February 2024 03:08 PM
EXECUTIVE PRESIDENCY IS A NO NOOOOOOO IN SRI LANKA, WE HAVE HAD AND SADLY IT HAS NOT REPEAT NOT WORKED IN FAVOUR OF THE COUNTRY AND OR ITS CITIZENS. WACO, YOUR ASK "REAL LEADERSHIP AND DEAD HONEST QUALITIES" SORRY TO SAY THE PEOPLE WANT AND NEED MORE THAN THE TWO QUALITIES YOU MENTION.
Nimal Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:31 AM
When, after your term(s) as Executive President?
Fred Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:33 AM
Sooner you have an election the better, never mind the result, people should be allowed to decide, it is the only thing they have the vote otherwise these protests will go on.
Bushel Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:37 AM
You strive for elections or get perished as people are waiting to send home all undesirables
Devin Adi Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:38 AM
Where would all the hardwork done by these contestants go, if executive presidency is abolished. Its a mere political lie just to attract the hard working class. For a country like SL, executive presidency is a must as we still dont have a development nor recovery plan.
Nimal Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:39 AM
Sri Lanka is unlikely to ever abolish The Executive Presidency. Why? Because there is not a single person in parliament who would put the country before their personal interests. Unfortunately, the greed for power amongst our people is too much of a temptation.
Minimise Election Expenses Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:45 AM
The people will vote their desired parliamentarian candidate for their area. Then the parliamentarian will nominate their Prime Minister
Revaluation Tuesday, 13 February 2024 01:41 PM
Parliamentarians who are elected by the people should elect the president and prime minister accordingly. Either president or prime minister will have executive powers
Terrence K Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:56 AM
You are talking rubbish when the present rulers are taking you for a ride and now you say that after elections you will be consenting to scrap the post of President. In the recent past the present rulers were baiting you and the other parties that they were proposing to scrap the executive Presidency mainly to gain space to manipulate holding of elections. This is like a tug a war squabbling between the ruling party and the other parties and the end result would be a protracted delay in changing the constitution by which time the ruling party would have achieved their objective whilst you will remain the leader of the Opposition!!!!!!!!
Jude Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:56 AM
SJB promising sun and moon but they won't be even official opposition after next Elections.
Jega Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:31 PM
A agree with you 100%. Sajith has big desires, but his capability is zero
Jude Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:58 AM
No one take seriously of sajith or the SJB. Sajith should soon Go to the foothills of Himalayan and do meditation yeah.
Lk Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:07 AM
Lies and lies to win elections
Ram Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:31 AM
Ask AKD if he is ready to abolish Executive Presidency MR and RW has given the promise before. So the best way is to abolish the Executive Presidency by bringing in the amendments to the Constitution and pass same with 2/3 majority for it to end when RW finishes
tilak Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:36 AM
why do you want to contest an election spending Rs.10,000M if you want to abolish it
N.M. Perera Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:37 AM
Fonseka as President and Sajith as PM.... Ideal fit. Eran as FM and Harsha as Minister of Industries and Investment Promotion..... wY TO GO.
Pujitha Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:48 PM
Sajith can't run a party leave aside the country. Fonseka lack and degree of diplomacy. Both may have niche areas they can contribute in, but it is not national leadership.
Single Cell Tuesday, 13 February 2024 01:54 PM
Good in theory but difficult in practicality, as far as I can see from your proposal three to four factions have to put their respective divisions aside to come to terms. It’s a halemary , but if the people you mentioned have credibility, but might be lacking in pure Witt and courage to work together. What Sri Lanka needs is fresh blood that is not tainted.
johan Tuesday, 13 February 2024 02:06 PM
It will be another Gota's case and another Aragalaya
New blood needed Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:34 PM
Agree with Single Cell - revamp with new blood!
ROSH Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:43 AM
This idiot needs stay at home. He is not capable running a bath let alone running my country. We need educated minority leader to come forward for the betterment of my country. These idiots, family crooks master debating president and old crooks must stay at home need to move country forward
Single Cell Tuesday, 13 February 2024 11:02 AM
Do you think they are serious this time? it has been promised many times to get the minority vote and break all the promises after a win , I’m not a technical expert on constitutional reform. But with my basic knowledge of the subject I can feel it becoming a farce. Especially since every single government since 1977 knew the disadvantages in opposition but enjoyed the perks in government. What RW is seeing a clear mandate, so does SP , so does AKD . So that’s why they saying to have a presidential election do at least this time the constitutional amendment ( referring to the 2nd amendment ) will be tested after a presidential election that gives the clear mandate with the blessing of the citizens.
Waste Not Tuesday, 13 February 2024 11:03 AM
Hi Mate, You are singing from the same old book! The truth is that none of you sitting MP's want to abolish the Executive Presidency because you all want a piece of the pie. Greed will not let you do this. If you guys really are serious and want to abolish the Executive Presidency please call for a referendum along with the election for the President. Meaning, the elected president will have to set-down in less than two years if the referendum calls for it. This means no waste of public money for a separate referendum - two birds with one stone.
Raj Tuesday, 13 February 2024 11:09 AM
It is not the executive presidency that is issue, the person who holds it and the politicians as a whole. It does work for Americans, French and many countries around the world why not here? The blame should go to the people. It is the people who elect bunch idiots and thugs to power and they ruin everything. Complaining about the same people you elect is no use, blame it yourself.
Dee Tuesday, 13 February 2024 02:09 PM
Spot on! Imagine it falling into the hands of a set of subversives who are used to destroying busses and transformers and state property?
Robbie Tuesday, 13 February 2024 11:18 AM
All this kind of stuff due to internal issues If you can't do the job that requires honesty there is a problem countries like of china Russia doing so we'll people and politicians are so frightened even to think wrong doing we need to change judicial system and give powers to prosecute offenders then the country prosper in no time....
Single Cell Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:00 PM
it’s always going to be a problem as long as a majority leader is the president in a such a race and cast driven poor socio economic and lower demographic society ( correction; some lower demographic parts of society) it works a well on developed and socially responsible and advanced society as quality of living as well as less dependent on religious or race based voter base . It’s damn if you do !and damn if you don’t! as long as SL is governed by identity based politics… nothing will ever change. Period
Jabila Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:09 PM
Why not go for election under a peopalized constitution? This is advantageous for incumbents but need a new good one drafted without considering petty party or personal interests.
melville perera Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:09 PM
all past presidents in retirement provided with retirement presidential benefits and priviledges uttered these same words during their election campaign and now enjoying blantant lies till death do us apart. " KESERA SERA" the future is not for ours to see Can you resort to something more realistic!!!
Waco Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:23 PM
Sajith is supporting Ranil, Rajapaksa. It is a public secret .
Surain Tuesday, 13 February 2024 01:04 PM
Ohh really You fake Astrologer
Amara Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:33 PM
Sorry for scarecity of new ideas
Surain Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:49 PM
Please ignore RW gimmick do not even comment about it press hard with the support of the people for the presidential election this media always try to twist your speech
Gihan Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:50 PM
If changes are to be made to abolish the executive presidency, there is no need to defer it until after an election.
Kamala de Silva Tuesday, 13 February 2024 01:07 PM
Before you scarp the presidency, he should ask his mother to give up the presidential privileges that she is enjoying Under her late husband.
Nodaking kalakani Tuesday, 13 February 2024 01:55 PM
Sajith working with Ranil surreptitiously to deceive the people again. Let's get together to kick these scum out.
Need MahaSangha Approval Tuesday, 13 February 2024 02:22 PM
How do these crooked politicians of any hue decide EX Presidency is good or not ,it should be decided by the consensus of Maha Sangha then only the majority will vote accordingly.
Cheers Tuesday, 13 February 2024 02:42 PM
These were the same puppets who ruined country from 2015-2019 in SJB including the easter attack that killed 300 innocent civilians send them home
AJ Tuesday, 13 February 2024 02:49 PM
Ranil using his lackeys to spread the word about scraping of unpopular executive presidency, he seems trying to check acid test on the proposal, his intention is not to hold election on October but delay it to further time,because if he leaves,possibility of coming back is very pale
akila Tuesday, 13 February 2024 04:29 PM
Head jolly boy of the Sinhala Jolly Boys SJB
Gobba Gobilayaa Gon Gembaa Tuesday, 13 February 2024 05:49 PM
Ayyo don't men. Why bother? Let the executives be chased via aragalas. Then HE could do some shopping internationally and shape eke return
podi hadaya Tuesday, 13 February 2024 07:16 PM
dear leader sajith majority of the people are with you country is waiting for the election. this is the crucial period our country is going trough please ignore all rouges want to sling mud at you
Bandara Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:01 PM
Enemies of the people will do everything possible to deny the Presidential Election this year under various pretext. Illegitimate government should not be given anymore chances to undermine our sovereignty.
M Fernando Wednesday, 14 February 2024 02:12 AM
Another Big Joke! Every candidate is always ready to abolish executive presidency BEFORE every election. After election, it becomes a different story This is JR's curse on this country.
Patcitz Wednesday, 14 February 2024 10:47 AM
Time lapsed, no need right now to take the issue as utmost important, just ready to face an election that will prove what the people think about you corrupt guys. Do not try to buy time or help Ranil to DESTROY the country anymore.
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