18th Amendment for development and democracy - Siyambalapitiya

Constitutional amendments are vital to achieve economic development and maintain democracy in the country, said Deputy Minister of Economic Development Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.

He said constitutional reforms have been hailed across the world as essential to fulfil the aspirations of people and bring prosperity to a country.

Ranjith Siyambalapitiya

“The 18th Amendment fulfils a long-felt wish of the people to elect a president who is committed to the welfare of the country without restrictions”, Siyambalapitiya said.

“A president elected by the people cannot contest for the third time under the present constitution.

The president should be able to contest any number of times if it is the wish of the people”, the Deputy Minister said.

He said the Constitutional Council appointed by the president under the 18th Amendment will be responsible to the parliament which is the highest institution that represents the people. The opposition is opposing the 18th Amendment because they have understood it as a move to extend the term of office of the president.The term of office of the president will not be changed, Siyambalapitiya said.

The opposition has opposed the 18th Amendment which it says is a move to extend the term of office of the president and that it is not the appropriate time for constitutional changes when there are larger issues to be addressed.

The government sought to pass the 18th Amendment to the Constitution in parliament enabling President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest elections for the executive post any number of times. Siyambalapitiya said the 18th Amendment fulfils the popular mandate which seeks to have a stable ruler with power. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has launched several development programs and the country has been put on a solid growth path.

Economic growth is expected to be over six percent and inflation to remain on single digit this year.

The per capita income of Sri Lankans has doubled within five years to around US$ 2050 from around US$ 1000.

The Ministry of Economic Development has revived all industries and they are geared to achieve higher returns.

The tourism industry is poised to be the leading foreign exchange earner to the country with tourist arrivals expected to double next year. Siyambalapitiya said funds have been allocated to develop the infrastructure in the war ravaged areas of the North and the East. Electrification, road development and resettlement of IDPs have been satisfactory. LF