The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which could see the amending of executive powers and restoration of independent commissions, was tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe  a short while ago.

The Draft Bill on the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was approved by the Cabinet of Sri Lanka at an emergency Cabinet meeting summoned by President Maithripala Sirisena on March 15.

The Cabinet has also decided to reach a final settlement on electoral reforms on March 17.

Eight key powers vested with the Executive President will be amended according to the proposed constitutional amendment while the President will continue to be the Executive Leader, Head of State, Head of the Cabinet and Commander in Chief.

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.

Another Constitutional Amendment is a President’s term being restricted to merely two terms.
Cabinet will be vested with the power of appointing secretaries of ministries while the Cabinet of Ministers will be appointed by the President following consultations with the Prime Minister.

The Presidential immunity from being sued over matters conducted during his period of office is to also be removed under the proposed reforms.