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The Secretary of the Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA) Elmo Perera speaking at a public meeting titled 'A Way Out of the Present Crisis' held at the OPA Auditorium last Thursday said the introduction of the five independent commissions as the 17th amendment to the Constitution was the need of the hour as the country has become politicised from top to bottom, during its 53 year history after independence.

"The OPA feels that the formation of the Independent Commissions is a long-felt need in this country. The people have been yearning for de-politicised institutions and it is therefore timely that the Elections, Public Service, Judiciary, Police and Media commissions are brought to the Parliament" said Elmo Perera. Perera said that the establishment of the constitutional Council was also a crying need of the hour with a view to forming a new constitution instead of the archaic 1978 constitution introduced by former President J R Jayawardene.

"The enactment of a new constitution should also take place after the views and opinions of all political parties are obtained in Parliament.

The drawing up of a new constitution should also take into account the views of the LTTE which is at the crux of the problem."

The OPA Secretary advised the government not to delay the process of establishing the Independent Commissions and he called on all opposition parties in Parliament to render their support to the government in this regard.

"The OPA is an organisation without any political affiliations, neither are we stooges of the UNP nor supporters of the PA and we urge the government to act fast at this crucial juncture if at all they do have the interests of the nation at heart" Elmo Perera explained.

The OPA also unveiled their version of the 17th amendment to the constitution by way of a document at this public meeting and members of the OPA and the public gave their comments.

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