The Island
National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa says proposed far reaching constitutional changes are likely to be implemented on a staggered basis. The 17th Amendment to the Constitution and executive presidential powers and privileges will be dealt with first of all.
Addressing the media at the NFF headquarters at Battaramulla yesterday, Minister Weerawansa said that the second and third phases envisaged amendments to the electoral system and the creation of an Upper House. Responding to a query by The Island, he said the entire process could take one and a half to two years. He declined to comment on how soon the first phase of the constitutional amendments could be implemented.
The SLFP-led UPFA needs six more MPs to achieve the magical two-thirds majority in parliament. The UPFA secured 144 seats at the April 8 general election, whereas the UNP obtained 60, TNA 14 and the DNA 7.
Minister Weerawansa said that a few days back leaders of UPFA constituent parties had met at Temple Trees to discuss the issue at length. He said that a second round of discussion would take place shortly to reach consensus on proposed amendments to the Constitution.
The UPFA would amend the Constitution to enable President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest presidential election for a third time, sources said.
Weerawansa said that his party would push for regulations required to prevent political parties and other interested groups from supporting and encouraging separatism.
Responding to another query by The Island, Weerawansa said that the SLFP would not try to act unilaterally on this issue. He said that UPFA constituents could reach an agreement on proposed amendments and the SLFP, though having an overwhelming majority within the ruling coalition, would not try to dictate terms to its partners.
Referring to a recent statement attributed to Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, Minister Weerawansa said that it would not be realistic to devolve police powers to regions. He emphasised that was something not negotiable and it would not be in Sri Lanka’s interest to adopt any such thing.
He urged the international community not to interfere in what he called a purely a domestic issue. He asserted that the NFF would push for a mechanism to guarantee that the government would have overriding powers to step-in and take remedial action in the provinces in case of an emergency.