19th Amendment from a business point of view
National Chamber of Exporters:
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) welcomes the enactment of the
19th Amendment to the Constitution to improve democratic ideals.
The Chamber hails the crucial roles played by the President, Prime
Minister and the Leaders of all political parties in arriving at a
consensus, in spite of diverse views that prevailed initially,
demonstrating their ultimate commitment towards democracy, which augurs
well for the country.
The Chamber recognises the enactment of 19A, as a very important and
a positive step, especially the inclusion of provisions related to
repealing of the 18th Amendment, Constitutional Council, Independent
Commissions, recognition of the right to information as a fundamental
right of citizens. However, the Ceylon Chamber cautions that the
Committee Stage Amendments to increase the number of Parliamentarians in
the composition of the Constitutional Council has the potential to
compromise its independence.
It believes, that the original clause would have served the interests
of the country and its people better than the one on which the
President, Prime Minister and the Government were finally forced to
compromise on.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, an institution that has served the
Nation for 176 years, is a confederation of 8,500 business entities,
consisting of small and medium to large conglomerates, private and
quoted and Sri Lankan and multinational and 21 Business Councils, 21
Trade Associations and 22 regional, sectoral and other Chambers. It is
affiliated to over 120 international chambers worldwide and is
recognised as the country's premier business chamber.
National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka
The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) congratulates
the President, Prime Minister and all parliamentarians for passing the
19th Amendment despite the many obstacles. The Chamber welcomes the
enactment of the 19th Amendment which puts Sri Lanka on the right road
to democracy and signals the return of meaningful parliamentary
democracy.
For a President who has completed the 100 days in office, it is an
achievement of the highest order.
The National Chamber being one of the pioneering Chambers in the
country providing a service to the business community for over 65 years
is indeed proud over the passing of the much awaited and much debated
19th Amendment to the Constitution in the country.
The 19th Amendment is a victory for all communities and it will
benefit not only the present generation but also generations to come.
Sri Lankans can look forward to a vibrant period of democracy and good
governance under the new enactment.
National Chamber of Exporters
The National Chamber of Exporters (NCE), the only private sector
chamber which exclusively serves the interests of Sri Lankan exporters,
sincerely appreciates and commends the leadership provided by President
Maithripala Sirisena in bringing together leaders of all political
parties and other diverse groups, to reach a consensus to enact this
crucial piece of legislation.
The Chamber also recognises the indispensable and important roles
played by the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Leaders of all
political parties, and other stake holders, particularly the Maha Sangha
and civil society groups in supporting the President to achieve this
landmark objective.
The Chamber applauds the sincerity and steadfastness of the President
in driving this vital Amendment to fruition, which is indeed an
endorsement of democracy and hence the revival of a friendly and
progressive business environment to benefit all stakeholders of the
economy.
The Chamber particularly recognises the importance of the 19th
Amendment in setting up the Constitutional Council and through it,
independent commissions such as the Public Service Commission, Police
Commission, Audit Commission, Bribery or Corruption Commission, and the
important Elections Commission, which will strengthen democracy, the
rule of law and good governance, in the country.
Although the original intention before the Committee Stage Amendments
was for the majority of the
Constitutional Council to consist of independent and competent
persons of integrity, which would have been the ideal position, the fact
that the Constitutional Council although consisting of a majority of
parliamentarians, will still contain three independent members, is
noteworthy, leaving room for further improvement in the structure in the
future.
The Chamber hopes that the other proposed changes to the electoral
structure and reforms through the 20th amendment, will receive the same
cooperation, and support from all concerned to arrive at a sound
consensus, to create genuine democracy and a society which is committed
to equal opportunities for all citizens.
The Chamber believes the stage has now been firmly set for Sri Lanka
to strengthen good governance through a multi-party Government, which
will improve the business climate and attract local and foreign
investment for sustained economic development.
It will also set up the platform for sustainable growth to create
enhanced job opportunities, and a higher standard of living for all. |