Karu slams Gota over 22A

The proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution will further aggravate the prevailing crisis because its provisions allow the continuation of draconian powers consolidated in the executive presidency, says the National Movement For Social Justice.

Accusing the President of cocking a snook at the people, Chairman of the NMSJ and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said in a statement on Friday that the proposed 22A was a denigration to the social aspirations of the nation. It was another instance to prove that the President was making false pledges.

The president promised religious leaders and people that he would re-enact 19A in its entirety. But the proposed 22A proves that the current administration is not yet ready to introduce political reforms demanded by the people engaged in a struggle.

“The 22A will further worsen the prevailing situation and aggravate the political and economic crises. People have been agitating for change, yet the proposed amendment plans to keep the arbitrary powers of the president and update the existing provisions for that purpose,” Jayasuriya said.

He called on political parties in parliament to stand by the people’s aspiration when they decide what to do about the proposed 22A.