Wijeyadasa Pushes for Constitutional Reforms

COLOMBO (News 1st); Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Front, has announced the submission of a proposal for the 22nd Constitutional Amendment to Parliament. 

This amendment aims to introduce significant changes to the current constitution, focusing on the roles and limitations of the President.

The amendment seeks to reinforce the existing Article 91, which forbids a former President from becoming a Member of Parliament. 

Dr. Rajapakshe has proposed changes to Article 36, which would prohibit a retired President from accepting any position in the public service, whether paid or unpaid.

One of the most significant changes in the amendment is the abolition of successive presidential elections.

According to Dr. Rajapakshe, in the event of a presidential vacancy, the Prime Minister would serve as the acting President. The Election Commission would then be required to hold a presidential election within three months to elect a new President.