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| Sunday, 20 October 2002 |
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Opposition dismisses elections idea by DEEPAL WARNAKULASURIYA Opposition politician dismissed the government's declared intention to go for a general election, following the Supreme Court's ruling last week on the 19th and 18th Amendments to the Constitution. LSSP Leader and PA MP Batty Weerakoon told the 'Sunday Observer' that 'nothing special is taking place these days in the political arena.' Weerakoon argued that the Government would not be going for an election or a referendum since it had no power to do so. He also argued that it also could not cut the financial provisions of the President since the President could use her powers. "Now, the UNF is trying to forget the 19th Amendment and show the people something else," he said. At the same time, he said, the PA too must have a strong and steady policy for the development of the country and an honest plan for peace. MEP Leader and PA Parliamentarian Dinesh Gunawardena said that the UNF was in 'panic' over the Supreme Court's ruling that a referendum was needed for the amendments. "It shows the political bankruptcy of the UNF and also proves that the UNP-LTTE Alliance cannot bring peace and prosperity to the country,' he added. Gunawardena dismissed the possibility of any referendum or elections in recent future but said the MEP would force the President to use her powers and explore the possibilities of taking the power in the House on the basis of some policy agreements. Sihala Urumaya General Secretary Udaya Gammanpila, speaking to the 'Sunday Observer' said that the whole effort of the 19th amendment showed the UNF's need to stay in power for a long period and a way to the division of the country. "As a party which knows the pulse of the people, we do not wish for elections, referendums and the 19th amendment at this time, but, we ask the Government to do what the people want," Mr. Gammanpila added. He further said that SU has already decided to support any alliance which was against the division of the country. He added that such an alliance also must have strong and steady policies towards the development of the country's economy. Presidential Director General (Media), Janadasa Peiris told the 'Sunday Observer' contacted by us that the President was not merely Chandrika Bandaranaika Kumaranatunga, but that the President was a part of the Constitution. "The Supreme Court had again stressed that the Parliament can not enforce the President according to the existing constitution in the country and the President is not always bound to work accordingly the Parliament," he said. Peiris also said that the government had no authoritarian power to cut the financial provisions for the President since that matter also was required a Supreme Court determination. He also added that the SC has completely rejected the part 6 of the 19th Amendment since it violates the existing constitution. "Challenging the President's rights is challenging the people's mandate," Mr. Peiris said. |
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