Channa sees Ranil as night watchman playing ‘Dil Scoop’

SLPP MP Prof Channa Jayasumana yesterday said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe should try to realise the task entrusted to him and must pave the way for an election.Addressing a public rally in Meerigama, Prof Jayasumana said that Wickremesinghe had been given the presidency for an interim period to stabilise the economy and political crisis. “He was brought in as the night watchman to stay put until the crisis was over. Instead of doing that job, he is now playing Dil Scoop.”

Prof. Jayasumana said that he would bring a Private Member’s Bill before Parliament shortly to provide for a snap presidential election. Prof Jayasumana said the Bill would propose a constitutional amendment requiring a presidential election to be held within one year after the appointment of an Acting President.

“According to the Constitution, a President can call for a presidential election after four years, but it is unclear whether a successive President is entitled to it. Therefore, the opinion of the Supreme Court must be sought in this regard,” the MP said.

“We hope to get it passed so that it will apply to Wickremesinghe as well. This would allow for a presidential election to be held in July 2023. If he wins this election, he can implement the political, economic and defence reforms he is planning,” Prof. Jayasumana said.