The 21st Correction is anticipated to annul the 20A to the Constitution, which gives unfettered powers to Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Sri Lankan Cabinet on Monday passed the 21st Correction to its Constitution aimed at empowering the country’s Parliament over the Administrative President and now it’ll be tabled in Parliament, a top Minister has said. The 21st Correction is anticipated to annul the 20A to the Constitution, which gives unfettered powers to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after rescinding the 19th Correction that will strengthen Parliament.
The 21 corrections were tabled and passed in Cabinet moments and will be tabled in @ParliamentLK soon.Like to thank@RW, UNP and @wijerajapakshe for pushing it through,” Minister of Tourism and Lands Harin Fernando twittered.The 21A aims, among other reforms, at barring binary citizens from querying choices to hold public office.
A section of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Party( SLPP) was opposed to bringing in 21A without addressing the current profitable extremity.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had vowed for the 21st Correction to the Constitution, saying it’ll check the chairman’s unlimited powers while enhancing the part of Parliament in governing the debt- ridden country which is also facing an unknown political fermentation.
The Main Reason
The important Rajapaksa family tightened their grip on power after their massive defeat in the general elections in August 2020,which allowed them to amend the Constitution to restore presidential powers and install close family members in pivotal positions.Mr. Wickremesinghe was the main guarantor of the 19th Correction in 2015 which empowered Parliament over the Administrative President.
The indigenous reform was a major plank of the agreement between Mr. Rajapaksa and Mr. Wickremesinghe when he took over the job of Prime Minister on May 12.
Sri Lanka has been scuffling with unknown profitable fermentation since its independence from Britain in 1948.
21st Amendment
Sri Lanka’s profitable extremity has created political uneasiness with protesters demanding the President’s abdication. Under the 21A, the President will be held responsible to the Parliament. The Cabinet of Ministers is also responsible to Parliament. The National Council is also responsible to Parliament. Fifteen panels and Oversight panels are responsible to Parliament. The new amendment in the Sri Lankan constitution grants more power to the parliament than before. It not only empowers the parliament but also holds the president accountable for their actions. The new amendment is a major step in the direction of the distribution of power and reducing its concentration in a few hands.
