The proposed Constitutional changes are all in the Mahinda Chintana Idiri Dekma, the policy manifesto of President Mahinda Rajapaksa introduced at the last Presidential election, said Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday. He was speaking at the meeting held by the President with Heads of media institutions and Editors at Temple Trees. Refuting arguments put forward by certain Opposition politicians and others, Minister Rajapaksa said that the proposals have not been suddenly brought forward but are all spelt out in the election manifesto. Quoting from the text of the Idiri Dekma he explained that the UPFA has not pledged to abolish the Executive Presidency. It had clearly stated its desire to revise the Executive Presidency to make it more answerable to the Parliament. The proposal to make it mandatory for the President to visit Parliament at least once in three months is a fulfillment of that pledge, he said.
The Idiri Dekma also proposed to replace the 17th Amendment with a workable arrangement in which there would be no stalemate that would hinder the functioning of the public service.
The Parliamentary Council proposed has done away with all defects of the Constitutional Council and comprise Members of Parliament. In the new set up members of the Council are proposed by Parliament and the President could only appoint them.
However, in case of a delay the President is empowered to appoint members so that there is no stalemate or delay. Minister Rajapaksa said this is devolution of the President’s power to the Parliament. He said there is nothing more in the new proposals than what was mentioned in the Idiri Dekma.
source: dailynews 7 9
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