Colombo: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has reiterated its support for immediate curtailment of dictatorial features in the Constitution by enacting the 19 Amendment to the Constitution.
The following is the full text of the statement issued by the Catholic Bishops’s Conference: “The 19th Amendment to the Constitution is a step in the right direction in the effort of Mother Lanka as it attempts to curtail the unlimited powers of the Executive Presidency and to ensure that democratic structures for Good Governance are established.
In this context, the establishment of the Constitutional Council and the other Independent Commissions such as, the Public Service Commission, the Elections Commission, the National Police Commission and the Bribery Commission and all the other Commissions mentioned in Article 30 of the proposed amendment become imperative. The repeal of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution will pave the way to strengthen the independence of the judiciary and uphold the principles of the rule of law. The CBCSL has already made this position clear in the pastoral letter issued on 8th December 2013 entitled “Towards Reconciliation and Rebuilding of Our Nation”.
Therefore, we urge all political parties to set aside their ideological differences in the greater interest of the nation and its people and approve the Constitutional reforms introduced by the 19th Amendment with the objective of establishing Good Governance. If there is any clause that has to be placed before the people at a referendum as recommended by the Supreme Court, this procedure should be followed.
We earnestly urge those responsible to seize this opportunity which has been presented and act in a fearless, responsible and forthright manner so that generations to come will value the steps that have been taken in the establishment of a truly democratic society.”
(This appeared in The Island Online on April 23, 2015)