JVP vows to present 20A in Parliament by third week of May

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Anura Kumara Dissnayake yesterday vowed to bring in the 20 Amendment to the Constitution in Parliament during the third week of May to abolish the executive presidency.

Speaking at the JVP May Day rally held at the BRC grounds in Colombo, he said not only the opposition members but also government members suffered due to the executive presidency and added the Cabinet and the parliament were turned into puppets during the previous regime.

“The Cabinet, Ministers and parliament became puppets under the executive presidency during the Rajapaksa regime. 52 percent of the Cabinet was controlled by former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa,” he said.

Mr. Dissanayake said some factions were trying to create a panic about the 20A for political purposes and added that they would never retract it in fear of such moves.

“We will create a broad dialogue about the 20A and try to win this anyhow. We are ready to discuss with the Maha Sangha and intellectuals on the proposal. We as the JVP will not bring anything detrimental to the country,” he said.

He said the governments that ruled the country for the last 70 years had not been able to deliver any good to the people and added that only the JVP could take the country forward.

“Sri Lanka has made a country without a future or vision but a country with a bankrupt economy. The governments have not been able to take the country forward in any sector or at least managed to keep it at the minimum standard. The value of rupee is fast depreciating at the face of the dollar.

The trade deficit is 100 per cent for the last 70 years. One fifth of the children are suffering from malnutrition.the income disparity is ever increasing,” he said.

The JVP held its May Day parade from Borella Campbell Park to the BRC Grounds yesterday evening with the participation of its leaders and supporters where they held its May Day Rally.k.d.lal Kanntha,tilvin Silva and representatives from socialist parties of Sweden, Nepal, India and Greece participated in the rally.

The Cabinet, Ministers and parliament became puppets under the executive presidency during the Rajapaksa regime. 52 percent of the Cabinet was controlled by former president Mahinda Rajapaksa