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by Ranil Wijayapala

UNP and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said that they would continue their agitation campaign for the depoliticisation of the four independent commissions despite achieving 75 per cent of their objective through the passing of 17th amendment.

Wickremesinghe flanked by other leaders of the UNP at the Opposition Leader's Office thanked all the political parties, civic organisations and specifically the media for their contribution for propagating the concept of independent commissions till it ended up as a constitutional amendment.

He also thanked the Government for accepting the amendment made by the opposition parties to the 17th constitutional amendment to make it a reality by enabling a two thirds majority in Parliament.

Wickremesinghe specially mentioned the contribution by the SLMC, TULF, TELO, ACTC and also the SU to make the venture successful.

The JVP made their contribution by pushing the Government to present this amendment to parliament through their alliance with the Government, Wickremesinghe added.

He said the UNP initiated the concept of Independent Commissions by including the independent commissions to the policy of the UNP in 1997 and took support from the professional organisations and other civic organisations to go ahead with this concept.

"This is the first occasion where a citizen initiative ended up as a Constitutional amendment", Wickremesinghe added.

UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya specially thanked the religious dignitaries for their contribution towards the success of the 17th amendment.

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