The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) is not against the executive Presidency, but against the arbitrary powers of the President, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said.
He added that the arbitrary powers of the executive Presidency will be revoked with the 19th amendment. The Cabinet approval was granted for the draft bill on the 19th Amendment on Sunday (15).
“Only the arbitrary powers will be revoked. Thus this Amendment does not affect the national security. We forced the government to dismiss several suggestions that would harm national security” Ranawaka said.
According to the proposed reforms, the term of the Executive President is due to be reduced from six years to five. Powers vested with the President to dissolve parliament will be now granted to parliament itself. The Presidential immunity from being sued over matters conducted during his period of office is to also be removed under the proposed reforms.
