UNP to support executive presidency [May 16 2013]

The UNP which introduced the Executive Presidency in 1978 and rejected it at the 2010 presidential election has once again gone back to its original policy when the party announced that they would present a draft Constitution which includes an Executive President.

Although the UNP previously were vehemently campaigning for the abolition of the Executive Presidency, the main Opposition has now shown interest in retaining it. Speaking to media at a conference to introduce a draft Constitution UNP parliamentarian Wijeydasa Rajapkshe said that in the proposed draft Constitution of the UNP, the executive presidency would feature.

"It will not be an only ceremonial president unlike in some countries. The president will also be liable and responsible when making decisions. However, the executive power vested on present presidency will be curtailed," he was quoted as saying. The UNP proposed draft Constitution is to present to the public in order to seek public opinion and ideas on May 29 after having discussion with party leaders in the Parliament regarding the draft.