City
Epaper

Sirisena for repealing 19th Amendment which curtails Presidential powers

By ANI | Updated: June 23, 2019 23:05 IST

President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday called for repealing the 19th Amendment to the country's Constitution, which has curtailed the presidential powers, saying it is a reason of "political uncertainty" in the country.

Open in App

President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday called for repealing the 19th Amendment to the country's Constitution, which has curtailed the presidential powers, saying it is a reason of "political uncertainty" in the country.

The amendment, which was passed in April 2015, caps the Presidency at two-terms and disallows dissolution of Parliament by the President before four-and-a-half years of its term, reported Daily Mirror.

"People accuse us of running an unstable government. They say that I and Prime Minister (Rl Wickremesinghe) are pulling in different directions...the reason is the 19A," he said.

Sri Lanka, which is still reeling under the percussions of deadly Easter Sunday terror attack, saw a power struggle among the President and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe

Last year, President Sirisena prematurely dissolved Parliament in an effort to oust Wickremesinghe out of power. However, the Supreme Court ruled that his dissolution was illegal.

Notably, in 2015 Sirisensa was made to introduce the most revolutionary reform, which repeals the 18th Amendment, the source of extreme power for the President.

"The 8th Amendment to the Constitution is a dictatorial one but the 19th Amendment prevented a sound government," the President said.Earlier this month, Sirisena announced that the presidential election has been scheduled for December 7. However, it is not yet clear whether Sirisena would contest.

( With inputs from ANI )

Tags: Maithripala SirisenaThe Supreme CourtSri Lanka
Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalSri Lanka Orders Shorter Work Week, Promotes Remote Work to Tackle Fuel Shortage as West Asia War Leads to Crisis

Entertainment“I Love Reading Books by the Beach”, Poonam Pandey Reveals Her Exotic Birthday Celebration Plans in Sri Lanka!

CricketGary Kirsten Appointed Sri Lanka Men’s Team Head Coach After Sanath Jayasuriya Steps Down

CricketEngland Beat New Zealand by 4 Wickets in Super 8 Clash To Keep Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinal Hopes Alive (VIDEO)

CricketMatt Henry Set To Leave Home After England vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Match, Here’s Why

International Realted Stories

InternationalUS State Dept revokes green cards of individuals linked to Iranian regime, arrested by ICE agents

International"Biggest drop in history": Trump credits tariffs for bringing down US trade deficit by 55%

InternationalTerror groups using social media platforms to radicalise people across Indo-Pacific: Report

InternationalNepal's political shift setback for China’s expansionist strategy: Report

InternationalPak military can no longer manage Afghanistan like colonial fiefdom: Report