Sri Lanka's left parties in ruling alliance still undecided on constitutional amendments

The left parties in the ruling coalition of Sri Lankan government are still undecided regarding the proposed 18th amendment to the constitution.


The Socialist People's Front, a common front in the ruling coalition formed by the Sri Lanka Communist Party, Lanka Samasamaja Party, and the Democratic Left Front, has held several rounds of talks but with no agreement. The dialogue held yesterday also has ended without a conclusion.

The left parties are to meet again on September 06 to reach a final decision, says the government MP representing the Democratic Left Front and President's Adviser Vasudeva Nanayakkara.

The debate on the Draft Bill will be held on September 08th, the same day it is tabled in the parliament. The vote on the bill will be held following the debate.

Left parties earlier vowed not to support moves that strengthen the executive Presidency. However, no Left Front Minister registered protest to the constitutional amendments at the cabinet meeting when the draft proposals were unanimously approved.

The amendments propose deletion of clause 2 of article 31 which specifies term limits on Executive Presidency, changes to the Constitutional Council, changes to appointment of Commissions, delegation of powers to Secretaries of Ministries to institute public service transfers, and making mandatory for the holder of the office of the President to attend Parliament every three months.

The ruling alliance is confident of passing the Bill with a two-third majority in the 225-member parliament with at least 160 votes in favor.