UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera says that at a time when the President is looking to further reduce his executive powers, no other person will be allowed to wield a superior authority than that. 

He was responding to a question from journalist regarding the proposed Development (Special Provisions) Bill, which the Joint Opposition claims is an attempt to create a ‘super minister’.

“The President is a leader who brought proposals to the Parliament to reduce his executive powers and did reduce his power to a major extent according to the verdict of the Supreme Court.” 

“He is prepared to further reduce executive powers at any time. Therefore at such a time, there will be no opportunity for someone else to wield more powers than that,” he said. 

We accept one fact, which is that it is difficult for local and foreign investors coming to the country to expedite the processes, the minister said. “There is a need for papering a system for that purpose.” 

“But that does not mean any certain individual will be allowed to wield a ‘superior authority’ than the president, who has reduced his own powers.” 

He said that the government can resolve this matter through discourse and that they will never allow the creation of such a Super Ministry.

Amaraweera said that this issue is not as serious as it is being publicized to be and that they are of the firm stance that the authority vested with their respective ministries will not be transferred to any other ministry. 

Responding to a question regarding the process to obtain vehicles for 58 MPs under operational lease, he said that the topic was extensively discussed by the Cabinet of Minister. 

“For now we have decided to temporarily halt the obtaining of rental vehicles for MPs.”

However, he said, that even under the previous government, a vehicle was provided to MPs who assist in development activities and those who work in coordinating committees. 

“A vehicle will be provided but they will not be obtained at a high rent.”