Opposition parliamentarians continue to push to retain the independent commissions in the midst of government plans to abolish the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. JVP MP Vijitha Herath said that independent commissions should be retained although the 19th Amendment is to be abolished.
He observed that the 19th Amendment managed to reduce to an extent the limitless powers vested with the executive presidency.
He explained that it was the independent Elections Commission that ensured the holding of a free and fair election.
According to Herath, the independent commissions should be retained in the proposed new constitutional amendment.
Meanwhile, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella also noted that the independent commissions should be continued with and that the government should give a clear response on the matter.
He further noted that present members of the government had supported the 19th Amendment to the Constitution since it was passed in parliament with 223 voting in favour.
"Amendments proposed by them were also included in the 19th Amendment. Why the sudden change of heart," he questioned.
However, Co-Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Udaya Gamanpila said that independent commissions will be retained in the proposed new constitutional amendment albeit with some changes.
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