Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa vows to abolish 19th Amendment

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday vowed to abolish 19th Amendment that curtailed powers of President and strengned role of Parliament.

"Our first task will be to remove 19th amendment to Constitution,” he said while making ceremonial dress outlining his policies at inaugural session of new Parliament on Thursday.

This stands in contrast to comments me by his ministers on Wednesday that 19A would only be subject to amendments while retaining its healthy provisions.

19A opted in 2015 by n reformist government was subject to much criticism by Rajapaksa clan as it prevented dual citizens from contesting elections. At time, two of Rajapaksa family members including current president were dual citizens of US and Sri Lanka.

During August 5 election, Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, foremost of m was move to abolish 19A.

SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to effect constitutional change y desire.

Rajapaksa stressed that while introducing a new Constitution, “it is essential to make changes to current electoral system”.

While Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as Sri Lankan President in vember last year, his eldest bror Mahida Rajapaksa won general election and assumed charge as Prime Minister on August 9.

Rajapaksa was delighted that public h given him two thirds majority - "for first time in history in an election held under proportional representation system”.

19A was main election plank of previous government. 19A depoliticised government ministration by ensuring independence of key pillars such as judiciary, public service and elections.

reformists in 2015 argued that 19A was needed to correct power imbalance created by 18A which government of Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2010 h introduced. 18A lifted two term bar for a president to run for office.

19A brought in reversal bringing back two terms bar and reducing presidential term from 6 to 5 years. It pruned powers of presidency and empowered parliament.

During his speech, President Rajapaksa also stressed that his governance will be based while giving foremost place to Buddhism - religion of 77 per cent of Sri Lankans.

"While ensuring priority for Buddhism it is w clear to people that freedom of any citizen to practice religion of his or her choice is better secured”, he said.

(Photo Credit: AP)