"UNP is afraid to face the people" - Gammanpila

Colombo (News1st): Highlighting the need to abolish the executive presidency, the JVP presented a proposal to the parliament today. As JVP MP (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa was beginning his statement to Parliament, he was interrupted by some MPs from the ruling side who were out of their seats, which prompted the Speaker to issue a warning to them to assume their seats. The JVP MP struck back with a witty line stating that they are speaking in higher tones because they are back in the Government adding that they were as silent like mice when in the opposition. Dr. Jayatissa noted that no one is prepared to listen to a proposal to abolish the executive presidency. He noted that none of the leaders who gain a 2/3rds majority in Parliament ever think of making such a decision adding that this is the best time to make such a move because no one is able to claim even a simple majority. UPFA MP Shehan Semasinghe raising his concerns over the matter said that this is an attempt by Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who can never win an election, to become the president through a shortcut. He noted that the PM has used the JVP to present the 20th amendment to parliament to enable the appointment of a president with the approval of 113 MPs.  "How many MPs are currently crossing over? Therefore the UNP is dreaming to see Ranil Wickremesinghe being appointed as the president with the support of the JVP," said MP Semasinghe. JVP MP Vijitha Herath stated that the 20th amendment is not a tool to bring Ranil Wickremesinghe into power.He noted that their target is to remove the underlying autocratic power of the executive presidency. UPFA MP Udaya Gammanpila commenting on the matter said during the recent crisis, MPs of the JVP stated that they will bring forward a proposal to dissolve parliament, immediately after the crisis is over. "They are incapable of keeping their promise and instead presented this amendment to parliament, similar to a dog with rabies who is afraid of water, the UNP is afraid to face the people," said MP Gammanpila.