Executive Presidency would be abolished under a future government of UNP - opposition leader

A future government under the United National Party (UNP) would abolish the Executive Presidency and reinstate the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, said opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe on Monday.

According to the UNP leader, the 17th Amendment to the Constitution would be reinstated to ensure an independent Judiciary, Police, Bribery Commission, Elections Commission and a Public Services Commission.

Wickremasinghe said that their party started official talks with the Janasetha Peramuna and that discussions regarding quite a few important issues were carried out with the leader of the Janasetha Peramuna, Venerable Battaramulle Seela Rathana Thera. The statement was given at a media briefing held immediately after the meeting of the two leaders.

He said all opposition parties should first come to an agreement on these issues, such as abolition of Executive Presidency and eradication of fraud, bribery and corruption from society, and then support those common goals.

The Opposition Leader further stated that a future UNP government will not go beyond the 13th Amendment to the Constitution to address the ethnic issue but discussions with other political parties on how to implement the 13th Amendment are necessary.

He further stated that the UNP is already holding discussions on these issues and in very near future will seek the support of other political parties, religious leaders and civic organizations in an effort to build consensus on a common platform.

Pointing out the need for Sri Lanka to have friendly relations with other countries, Wickremasinghe said a future UNP government would adopt an effective foreign policy, equal to all nations.

A government under his leadership would establish law and order, and sustainable peace while focusing on eliminating poverty and developing agriculture, health and education for all people in the country.

Speaking at the briefing, Ven. Battaramulle Seela Rathana Thera said the discussions with the Opposition leader were very successful and that his organization will make a decision at its executive committee meeting to support the UNP at the next presidential and general elections.

by Cassendra Doole

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