The Draft Bill on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution caught the House’s attention once again yesterday (06) as both Government and Opposition MPs expressed their opinion on the Bill.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his statement during the morning session said that while trying to solve the economic crisis, the country needs political reforms. He said that re-strengthening the House and liberalizing State institutions and preventing them from being politicised are two important actions that should be taken. For this purpose, he highlighted that the two key elements would be the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and strengthening the Parliamentary Sectoral Committees.
“After passing this Bill, the President has the power to dismiss you.” Kiriella said which created some laughter in the Chamber. “We don’t like to see that happen. We don’t want the President to dismiss you. This move is only a gimmick. Everything would be under the President’s control, ” Kiriella added.
Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe speaking on the matter said the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is a better version of the 19th Amendment. “For example, the appointment of the Central Bank Governor was not under the purview of the Constitutional Council, but now it is. Under the 19th Amendment, the President was given three ministerial portfolios; Defence, Environment and Mahaweli Development ministries.”
At this juncture, the Opposition MPs attempted to disturb the Minister’s speech. “Now look at this. This is a Parliament, not a Montessori. At least keep the dignity of this House.” Rajapakshe quipped.
Continuing his speech Rajapakshe said, “We have now limited it to one ministerial portfolio, which is the Defence Ministry and as per the 21st Amendment. This Ministry cannot be removed from the President. Eventhough we brought the 19th Amendment, there were some ugly characteristics in it. One is the ability to form a National Government with even one MP from a different political party and maintain a Cabinet with more than 30 Ministers plus have more than 40 Deputy Ministers and State Ministers. In the 22nd Amendment, we have put a stop to that. Whatever said, we have held three meetings with more than 43 political party leaders when formulating this new Amendment. There is another condition here in this Amendment where the President can remove the PM based on the latter’s ability to show the majority.”
The Opposition once again attempted to disturb his speech at this instance. “Now you are at this once again. You can express your opinions after I am done speaking. Don’t bark. Anybody can bark. Those who are in the street can bark. Please act like honourable Parliamentarians. This is exactly the reason why the public is disappointed with this House. Please stop this power hungry culture.” Rajapakshe said. The Speaker of the House pointed out to the Opposition that this was not a topic taken for debate.
SJB MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara responding to Rajapakshe said in a moment where a whole country is demanding the stepping down of the President, the 22nd Amendment only strengthens the President. “The Constitutional Council is not independent. The three persons appointed to the CC from the outside are selected by the political party that has the majority. This means the Government has seven representatives in the CC. This is a shameless amendment. Shame on you Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe for drafting a Bill like this one.” Maddumabandara went on to say.
The Speaker of the House meanwhile noted that the House needs to focus on the agenda and the continued debate was not in it. However, responding to Madduma Bandara, the Prime Minister noted that the Opposition should have got together before submitting the 21st Amendment to the Constitution. As such a move was not made, the determination given by the Supreme Court on the Amendment only strengthened the President further, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe pointed out.
Meanwhile, MP Wimal Weerawansa on the same topic said that the Opposition should not side step from supporting the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. “Say it is not perfect. It does have some positivity in it. Why disregard the good when there are only a few negative characteristics? Plus, whatever was removed from the amendments was because there were legal issues regarding them. So I believe, anyone who says no to 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is on a mission to save a certain person who holds dual citizenship,” Weerawansa pointed out. Weerawansa also noted that the actions taken by the Government to solve issues linked to the economic crisis are not swift enough. “We cannot take late decisions in a crisis like this. Crisis management is a serious task. The Cabinet should meet at least thrice a week if it should accelerate the plans.” Weerawansa pointed out.
Speaking on the Foreign Exchange Management Act, MP Weerawansa alleged that the Act was unnecessarily liberalised by the 2015 Yahapala Government. PM Wickremesinghe in reply pointed out such liberalisation brought more foreign exchange to the country and the previous method was not encouraging Forex. He also pointed out that the Act was amended as per the international laws. But, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) says it discourages foreign exchange, Weerawansa said. “I do not agree. Harsha would also say the same. Similar Acts have been introduced in other countries, Wickremesinghe replied.
“But there is no such Act in India.” Weerawansa pointed out. “Ok, but Singapore does.” the Prime Minister said. “Ah!” Weerawansa responded. “We don’t do everything that India does. This Act is good for the country. Some CBSL officers seem to be having a problem with this. They seem to want to follow a North Korean style. I won’t let that happen.” the PM pointed out.”