The Government is likely to continue with the existing Executive Presidential system instead of creating a new office of Executive Prime Minister.
The change in thinking is the result of advice to President Mahinda Rajapaksa by Attorney General Mohan Peiris. He is of the opinion that a change from executive presidency to an executive prime minister would require a national referendum.
President Rajapaksa conveyed to the Opposition UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe this position, when he met him last Tuesday. Proposed constitutional changes figured prominently during the 55-minute meeting. Associated with the President was Economic Development Minister, Basil Rajapaksa.
Earlier, both President Rajapaksa and Mr. Wickremesinghe had agreed in principle to abolish the executive presidency. Instead, they reached broad agreement to establish an office of executive prime minister.
Despite the Attorney General’s view, the UNP leader is also to consult his party’s own constitutional experts to obtain an opinion. This is a prelude to Wickremesinghe engaging in further discussions on the proposed office of the executive prime minister.
The move came as a UNP delegation led by deputy leader Karu Jayasuriya, awaited a date and time from the government for talks on matters relating to the 17th amendment to the constitution. The UNP wants the government to retain existing provisions in the 17th Amendment. However, UPFA leaders are of the view that these provisions including the setting up of independent commissions have to be vested in the President.
Last weekend, President Rajapaksa met his ministers and parliamentarians for a workshop in Beruwala. External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris, who is handling matters relating to the constitutional changes, gave them a detailed briefing. Most ministers and parliamentarians were of the view that the executive presidency should continue. This was reflected in the opinions expressed by them after the briefing. |
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