Passage of amendment, internal matter - External Affairs Ministry
The External Affairs Ministry in a press release states: The
attention of the Ministry of External Affairs has been drawn to the
Press Release issued by the US Department of State under the caption
"The September Passage of Sri Lanka's 18th Amendment".
The Ministry wishes to observe in this regard, that the passage of
the Amendment is an entirely internal matter that moreover took place in
full accord with the provisions of the Constitution and in total
compliance with a unanimous decision of the Supreme Court, with an
overwhelming majority of 161 Members of Parliament of a total of 225,
voting in favour.
It would be pertinent also to note in this regard that the Amendment
was presented after careful consideration. A situation had arisen of
attempts covering successive administrations and spanning a period of
several years, to operationalize under the provisions of the 17th
Amendment several key institutions of governance, having palpably
failed.
There were additionally well founded apprehensions that the
provisions of the 17th Amendment whatever the intent behind their
introduction, could lead to the practical situation of depriving the
executive arm of government of the authority and disciplinary control,
essential to meet the constitutional obligation of managing the
machinery of state.The 18th Amendment resolves this situation, by
introducing the necessary constitutional clarity.
It revives the functioning of the Commissions sought to be covered by
the 17th Amendment through a Parliamentary Council which importantly
provides by the inclusion of Members of Parliament, for the salutary
principle of accountability to the people.
In fact the 18th Amendment re-establishes the will of the people as
the sole factor, which should correctly determine the continuity of
tenure.
The Government and people of Sri Lanka value their longstanding
relationship with the United States.
The External Affairs Ministry therefore regrets that the US State
Department comment has not been able to do justice to the true intent
and circumstances behind the enactment of the 18th Amendment.
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