Pledge to abolish exec. presidency: Jam tomorrow, never today
Sri Lanka’s executive presidency has lasted for nearly half a century despite promises to abolish it. All political parties have pledged to deep-six it since 1994. The SJB has renewed its call for the abolition of the executive presidency. Opposition and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa has called upon the JVP-led NPP government to fulfil its […]
For nearly five decades, Sri Lanka's executive presidency has endured despite numerous pledges to abolish it. Since 1994, political parties have repeatedly vowed to end the institution. The SJB has recently rekindled its call for abolition. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has urged the JVP-led NPP government to fulfill their election promise to abolish the executive presidency.
The NPP's manifesto, "A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life," also promises to do away with the institution. Premadasa, once a Cabinet minister in the UNP-led Yahapalana coalition, made a solemn pledge to terminate the presidency when Maithripala Sirisena was elected. However, the Yahapalana government failed to honor that commitment, merely tweaking the President's powers through the 19th Amendment.
The UNP, SJB, and SLPP are now demanding abolition out of political necessity rather than genuine conviction. They are likely to keep the executive presidency if they secure power themselves. The JVP/NPP's announcement that nobody can challenge President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the next election shows their reluctance to abolish the institution.
The JVP had previously backed Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapaksa, both of whom reneged on their promises to abolish the executive presidency. Today, the JVP is in a position to take action but has turned its back on its commitment to strengthen democracy. The SJB has warned that new repressive anti-terrorism laws, similar to the PTA, could endanger democracy.
The UNP, SJB, and SLPP, who once used the PTA to their advantage, are now protesting against the PSTB and OCB. The JVP-NPP government is likely to push through these bills with their supermajority, but it remains to be seen if a future government will repeal them.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
