Jathika Sanga Sammelanaya to agitate for 13th A ouster

Priyanka Kurugala

The Jathika Sanga Sammelanaya yesterday urged the government to repeal the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. This was conveyed at a news briefing in Colombo yesterday organised by the members of the Maha Sanga. They urged the government to take steps to abolish the 13th Amendment to the Constitution which they say is a piece of legislation imposed on the country from outside.

They said the obstructions caused by the 13th Amendment to the well being of the people was amply demonstrated by the fate of the Divi Neguma Bill. The Supreme Court determined that the Bill cannot be passed without the concurrence of all Provincial Council, or it needs a two third majority in Parliament. Further, the Jathika Sanga Sammelanaya said the 13th Amendment challenged the supremacy of Parliament.

In order to take this issue before the public, the Jathika Sanga Sammelanaya will organize a Sanga conference at the Maharagama Youth Centre on December 12 at 2.00pm. Around 2,000 monks will attend this conference.

The Maha Sanga emphasized the fact that Sri Lanka does not need a Provincial Council system since we are a small country, unlike India.

Addressing the media Jathika Sanga Sammelanaya Consultant Ven Dr Medagoda Abhayathissa Thera said, the 13 amendment was forced by India on former President J R Jayewardene.

"Due to the proper decisions taken by the government,today the country has the opportunity to enjoy peace, "the Thera said. The Thera also said the 13th Amendment also has paved the way for two Provinces to be amalgamated . It is the path to establish a new state. "Therefore, we urge the government to do away with the 13th Amendment,"the Thera said. "The Constitution of a country is one that caters to the needs of that particular country. However, the 13th Amendment is essentially an Indian creation tailored to the requirements of the Indian government, "the Thera explained.

"The 13th Amendment has prevented the government from making the proper decisions on behalf of the country," JHU Parliamentarian Ven. Athuryliye Rathana Thera said. "There are international conspiracies being hatched to undermine the sovereignty and independence of this country. Everybody has to understand this situation," the thera said. "Many demonstrations were held against the 13th Amendment when it was introduced and nearly 60,000 youths were lost to the country. The armed uprising in the South was entirely due to the 13th Amendment," the Thera said. "Every sector in the country is in a mess due to the 13th Amendment," the Thera said. Ven Dr Nagoda Amarawansa Thera and Ven Rajawaththe Wappa Thera also spoke.