The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law
Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama argued that constitutional safeguards and independent commissions depend on political leadership and institutional respect, not merely legal provisions. He cited the 17th Amendment in 2001 as a progressive reform establishing independent commissions, contrasted with later amendments that weakened or restored them, and criticized past governments for politicizing appointments. He maintained that under the current Government the commissions, including the National Police Commission, are exercising their constitutional powers freely.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 [4.51 p.m.]
¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, when we look at this motion, we recall the history of those now preaching about democracy and independence. Since 1978, despite a Fundamental Rights chapter, the country endured atrocity and repression for years. Fine laws mean little without the right leadership and ethos.
¶ 03 In 2001, using our 10 MPs in a caretaker administration, we spearheaded the 17th Amendment—the only truly progressive amendment among 21 changes since 1978—establishing seven Independent Commissions. Subsequent regimes paralyzed or dismantled them: through the 18th, later the 19th restored, then the 20th weakened again. Those who abetted such changes now claim to defend independence.
¶ 04 For the first time in history, today’s Commissions are exercising their powers with real freedom. That frightens some. The NPC is acting within its constitutional remit. Our Government has enabled every Commission to exercise its proper authority. Recall how the then President as 8th Executive fought the Election Commission and molded appointments to suit political needs; now, the Commissions are free to act.
Provenance
- Source
- Hansard, Friday, 10 October 2025 ·No. 22640 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 10 October 2025. No. 22640. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/14020