Presidential terms:

Extension essential for development- Deputy Minister

Sanjaya Asela Maturata and Nimal Chandrasiri Mahawatta Katugastotta Spl corr.

The destability witnessed in the administrative set up at the tail end of all past Presidencies that disrupt the development process prompted the decision to remove the term limits on a President imposed by the Constitution, Deputy Finance Minister and Senior Presidential Advisor Dr. Sarath Amunugama said.

He said the disruption of the country’s administrative set up was clearly seen at the tail end of the terms of Presidents J. R. Jayewardene and Chandrika Kumaratunga. “This was not a decision taken by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his own. That was a collective decision taken by the Cabinet and was the unanimous decision of Sri Lanka Freedom Party,” the Deputy Minister said.

He expressed these views after opening a political coordinating office of MP Dilum Amunugama in Katugastota. He said the Government has decided to bring amendments to both Budget statement and the Constitution in the coming days. These can be considered as vital landmarks in the political history of Sri Lanka “The chief aim of the President is respect the mandate given to him by the people.”

Speaking further the Deputy Minister said 54 percent of the country’s economy was centered in the Western Province. The policy of the Government is to change this situation so that all provinces will get an equal opportunity to develop economically. Accordingly Kandy District and the Central Province will receive new investments and development benefits.