19th Amendment will be changed by SLPP-G.L. Peiris

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Sri Lanka Podjana Peramuna (SLPP) pledged to change the 19th amendment. Professor G.L. Peiris, the Chairman of SLPP shared his views at a press conference held today (Feb 11). He stressed that one of the main aims of SLPP is to change the 19th amendment. They would do this after assuming power under the leadership of Mahinda Rajapaksa. He said that the 19th amendment helped to create an atmosphere where government employees can get appointed independently to top positions. According to G.L Peiris, the Constitutional Council and the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya dominated the amendment. He also referred to the process of appointment of Justices. He asked, "If they are appointed based on seniority, what is the use of the Constitutional Council?" He added that the frequent rejection of the names recommended by the President is unusual. The reason for the rejections should be investigated. Finally, he said that under the circumstances there is reasonable doubt. "Are these appointments made arbitrarily and under political influence?" he asked.