'I Am Ready to Pay the Price for Change' - Sri Lanka President Tells BASL

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says meaningful change cannot be achieved without taking risks, while insisting that the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment is not designed to benefit or target any individual.

The President made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of the Bar Association yesterday (12), where extensive discussions were held on the proposed constitutional reforms.

Addressing the gathering, President Dissanayake said he had approached the discussion with an open mind and stressed the importance of constructive engagement.

"You have come here with your own position on this matter. I tried to come here with an open mind, and that was my intention from the outset. I believe that after a proper discussion, anyone is free to express their views. However, when discussions are taking place, I do not believe it is appropriate for the substance of those discussions to be announced through media statements beforehand. In my view, that creates an obstacle to an open discussion."

The President also emphasized that he viewed the views expressed at the meeting as representing the broader legal community rather than the opinions of a single individual.

"When the [BASL] Chairman presented his views, he referred to himself as an individual. I do not regard him as an individual. I regard those views as representing the legal community he represents. I do not consider them merely personal opinions," he said.

Commenting on his approach to governance, President Dissanayake stressed that all actions undertaken by his administration remain within constitutional limits.

"My approach is rooted in the Constitution. I will never use my executive powers or any authority available to us beyond what is permitted by the Constitution."

The President then addressed concerns raised about the risks associated with constitutional reform.

"It has been suggested that because of this constitutional amendment, the next President, and even I myself, may have to leave office. I am prepared for that. I did not come here expecting to hold on to positions. I am prepared to take risks to bring about change."

"I do not believe change can happen without risk. Change always requires someone to take a risk. The best example is the Easter Sunday investigation. The investigation involves the intelligence services, and they are responsible for my security. Yet I continue with those investigations. I know there are risks involved."

"But I do not believe change can be achieved without accepting risks. Therefore, I am prepared to take those risks for the people of this country. If, in the process, I lose my position, I am fully prepared to accept that and leave. I am ready for that," he said.

The President also responded to concerns about whether proposed reforms could be interpreted as granting privileges to certain individuals within the judiciary.

"Where do we draw the line when it comes to privilege? Is it not a privilege when someone attempts to position a person of their choosing to occupy the office of Chief Justice in the future? There have been instances in history where such situations have occurred."

"Some may also argue that increasing the number of Supreme Court judges from 11 to 17 or expanding the Court of Appeal from 12 to 20 is intended to bring in a particular group of judges. Any change involving the judiciary can be interpreted in different ways."

"Even salary increases or vehicle permits for judges can be interpreted by some as privileges. Therefore, I made every effort to ensure that these reforms are not centred around or designed to benefit any single individual. I do not regard this as a privilege. I regard it as a process of transforming the judiciary from its current state to a stronger and more effective one," he said.