UNP launches campaign against 20A, calls for all Sri Lankans to unite

‘World hailed 19-A as a progressive move’

By Piyasena Dissanayake

The UNP yesterday called on all Sri Lankans to unite in the name of democracy to form a broad alliance to abolish the 20th Amendment to the Constitution.

Addressing the media at Elpitiya, UNP Chairman and former minister Vajira Abeywardena said that the country was heading for a dictatorship owing to the draconian powers vested in the executive presidency.

 “Those who came forward under the Viyath Maga to support the SLPP are now in power, and they should realise the mistake they made. The 19th Amendment we introduced was hailed both here and overseas as a very progressive move to strengthen democracy.

“We also call on other political parties with different ideologies but cherish democracy to join forces to abolish the 20th Amendment.

 Sri Lankans have always upheld democracy, Abeywardena said. “We were strong economically at the time we gained Independence because we had a strong democratic political structure. Now, we are even behind Afghanistan. At this rate, Sri Lanka will end up being the worst dictatorial regime in the world.

Elpitiya UNP organizer Attorney-at-Law Neville Igalawithana also addressed the press.