The country needs a new constitution to move forward: President

Colombo (News 1st): The 'Rata Wenuwen Ekata Sititmu' program in the Jaffna district, was held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Jaffna public grounds today (August 30). The event was also attended by several MPs and ministers, including the governor of the northern province Dr Suren Ragawan. Speaking at the event he noted that during the past four and a half years, four years was spent by Sri Lankan parliamentarians to formulate a new constitution and wasting millions of rupees. He added that Parliamentarians and constitutional experts wasted millions and travelled overseas to analyze foreign constitutions. According to the Head of State he had told them to abolish the presidency, before and after the elections, as well as during the past four and a half years, however, for four and a half years, those in the government did nothing. He noted that for the past four years they have deceived the people of the North, while the people of the South were given the impression that the country was going to be divided. President Sirisena noted that the government, as well as the opposition, is now talking about formulating a new constitution and if the country is to go forward, it needs a new constitution. He noted that the 19th amendment to the constitution, which was created by 3 leaders who have power in the country, should be abolished. He pointed out that it reduced the powers of the president, increased the powers of the prime minister and increased the powers of the speaker and all independent commissions are being controlled by him, therefore, such commissions are not independent. He noted that when there are three leaders in the country, everything is a mess. However, he said the question now is, who will be the prime minister who would agree to abolish the 19th amendment? He went onto note that these amendments should take place within the parliament itself and the government and the opposition should join hands to solve this crisis. The President added that if they fail to do this, they cannot govern this country properly. He noted that with the upcoming presidential election, the present government still has the time to solve this issue. He said the government and the opposition should focus their attention on this and it would be best if the present government solves this issue so that the government that comes to power in 2020 can fulfil their responsibilities. He noted that he will support this to the best of his ability.