|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Saturday, 13 December 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Politics | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
| PA willing to discuss Constitutional changes, says Amunugama by Rashomi Silva The People's Alliance yesterday hinted that Constitutional amendments to abolish the executive presidency would be the only possible way of separating the Defence portfolio from the Executive Presidency. Spelling out the PA's stance on the defence portfolio and the Executive Presidency, PA media spokesperson Dr. Sarath Amunugama said that according to the legal and the constitutional fundamentals in Sri Lanka the Defence portfolio lies with the Executive Presidency and it was non- negotiable. He said that the PA was willing to discuss Constitutional amendments with the UNF. Addressing reporters at the PA weekly press briefing, Amunugama reiterated that the Prime Minister should go ahead with the peace process Whilst the President retains the Defence portfolio. "We considered some possibilities like creating a 'National security Ministry' where the Prime Minister will be given the responsibilities to carry out the peace process but the Prime Minister's response was not satisfactory." However Amunugama sounded optimistic that the talks between the government and the UNF would conclude successfully. Cabinet spokesperson Prof. G.L. Peries too was hopeful that the talks will be productive and said that he too would prefer to remain hopeful. "We join hands there." He said the Premier had made a fair and very comprehensive analysis on the talks, peace process and the LTTE when he met the President recently. But he declined to give any details about the ongoing talks or the Premier's statement saying the matters are "highly confidential". Commenting on the UN anti-corruption convention held in Mexico, he accused the government of not supporting the Mexico convention which had won blessings of over 94 countries. "We urge the government to support this important UN-Convention which requires the signatory countries to pass laws banning a range of activities bordering corruption". Criticising the media's role in the Millennium city incident he condemned the media for being a puppet in the hands of the UNF government. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
