PAFFREL calls all party leaders to resolve Constitutional Council issues internally

The People's Action For Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL)  in an open letter to all leaders of political parties, has urged that  issues pertaining to the Constitutional Council (CC)  be resolved internally and that independent bodies should not be used as a means to maximise one's political motives.

Issuing a press release, PAFFREL Chairman Rohana Hettiarachchi said that condemning the CC was detrimental and would destroy the trust placed by the people on independent bodies in the country.

The CC has been subjected to severe critcism last week owing to certain approvals it granted to fill in vacancies in the Appeal and Supreme Courts.

"This would bring about harm to the country's well-being in the long run," Mr. Hettiarachchi said in the letter.

The CC comprises three representatives of the UNP, two representatives of the SLFP, one member of the JVP, and three apolitical members. One representative of the opposition had resigned upon his own wish.

"This is a testament to the fact that the CC comprises representatives from several parties and as such  all members are jointly responsible for any issues," the PAFFREL Chairman said in the letter.

He also pointed out that the CC was the central agency of independent commissions and the premier institutional body set up under the 19th Amendment.