“The SLFP has a special role to play in adopting the 19th amendment for many reasons among which is the fact that it has been throughout opposed to the executive presidential system and that President Maithripala Sirisena is the President of the party.” the ‘Lawyers for Democracy’ said today.
Issuing a statement on the 19th amendment the ‘Lawyers for Democracy’ (LFD) has today called upon all the members of Parliament to support the 19th amendment.
“We consider it the duty of all political parties in Parliament to support the passage of the 19th amendment through Parliament and to see that the constitutional council is made to function and to see that the independent commissions are set in place.” the LFD has said.
We publish below the statement in full;
‘Lawyers for Democracy’ was in the forefront of the agitation for the abolition of the executive presidential system and of vesting executive powers in a cabinet of ministers headed by the Prime Minister responsible to Parliament.
The main promise at the presidential election campaign of President Maithripala Sirisena was the abolition of the executive presidential system and restoration of parliamentary form of government with executive powers vested in the Cabinet responsible to Parliament. This move is spelt out as the first step towards the restoration of good governance which implies rule of law, independence of the judiciary and respect of human rights.
The repeal of the provisions of the 18th amendment and the re introduction of the 17th amendment was given wide publicity. In fact the focus at the election campaign was on democratization of the State. We congratulate the government for presenting the 19th amendment bill to Parliament. Dropping those sections in the 19th amendment which required the holding of a referendum is understandable as this is not the appropriate moment to go in for a referendum. The 19th amendment as it stands is itself a major step forward in the process of democratization of the State.
We consider it the duty of all political parties in Parliament to support the passage of the 19th amendment through Parliament and to see that the constitutional council is made to function and to see that the independent commissions are set in place.
The SLFP has a special role to play in adopting the 19th amendment for many reasons among which is the fact that it has been throughout opposed to the executive presidential system and that President Maithripala Sirisena is the President of the party.
‘Lawyers for Democracy’ calls upon all the members of Parliament to support the 19th amendment.
Lal Wijenayake
Convener Lawyers for Democracy
‘Lawyers for Democracy (LfD) is a representative body of legal practitioners throughout the island. Conveners include Lal Wijenayake, Chandrapala Kumarage, J. C. Weliamuna, K. S. Ratnavale, Sudath Netthisinghe, Sudarshana Gunawardana. It was established on 10th December 2009’.
Jim softy / April 20, 2015
Democracy. Even Saudi Arabia is democratic for their kind of muslims. That is how the whole world is. That includes the western world that preaches the democracy. Those govts who preaches democracy are most undemocratic govts and societies in the world.
These lawyers are paid by whom ?
If the world is democratic, UN must have been the greatest organization in the world. Right now it is useless and work only for some countries
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Aia / April 20, 2015
If SLFP is to be still relevant in SL politics, despite being ignorant these years to massive corruption, crimes and keeping the country at war footing by MR Government, here they have an opportunity to wash their sins to some extent. The country is watching, lets see.
Only a little bit of democratic principles left in the tank has saved the country from total totalitarian ruling, which would have lasted for years to come. Those who supported those dubious and self centered amendments have to be ashamed of your naivety or selfishness at the expenses the country, which is your own too. The 19th is a massive opportunity to bring back and restore the good governance.
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thondamannar / April 20, 2015
Adopting 19A or Investment.. you self centered Lawyers.
Shoot them all first …., Shakesphere.
OK… Just today, President of China is investing $ 46.1 b in the Southern Pakistan Port development.
IS THIS THE COST OF THE CHINA SNUB ?????????????
Oh Yahapalanaya ! again you have lost on Investment. Where are your priorities?
Is it permitting CBK vengence against MR and to appease India & the West by putting spokes on China development in the country.
Just today, China becomes the largest Investor in Pakistan surpassing America.
Sira being on a leash by those with vested intrest has got Chinese SH.T all over his face and also denied the Country & his voters direct investment.
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Senthil / April 20, 2015
Thondamannar,
There is nothing called free lunch – no one will spent on us free of charge. Fishermen feed big fish with small fish, that doesn’t mean free food. China or any other country are like that. Do not expect free money, earn money, bend the body and work. China gave free weapons to kill your own innocent Tamils people- do you think it is a right thing.
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Uthungan / April 20, 2015
Why has Lawyers for Democracy which was established in 2009 waited all this time to make a call in the interest of Democracy and The Rule of Law?
When the 18th Amendment was introduced, why did anyone involved with the establishment of LFD on 10th December 200 at that point of time not think, to inform the general public about the dangers inherent in the said obnoxious 18th Amendment and take immediate steps to carry on a relentless campaign to have the said Amendment repealed?
After having waited for six years from it’s establishment to now say the the SLFP has a special role to play in adopting 19A, is akin to bolting the stable gate after the horse has bolted.
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Uthungan / April 21, 2015
Correction
Read 2009.
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Ranil Wijeyesekera / April 21, 2015
Adopting 19A will help the UPFA the most. All ammendments help a free election. Failure will lead to malpractices. If selection of high officers is in Place the CB scandel may not have taken place. The UPFA are responsible for a debacle if they fail to assist the passing of 19A.
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