The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, under Standing Order 27(2), I raise the following Question.

¶ 02 “The sovereignty of the People is inalienable” as stated in the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary must function with mutual understanding as well as independently to empower popular sovereignty. Under governments with majority power, interference with institutional independence is common; there is no change under this Government either. The Government’s sincerity in upholding people’s sovereignty is tested by facilitating and introducing progressive reforms that maximize the functioning of these institutions. Accordingly, I pose the following nationally important questions to the Government:

¶ 03 01. As stated on page 194 of the policy statement “A Prosperous Country - A Beautiful Life”, does the Government intend to introduce constitutional reforms? If so, have steps already commenced, and when will Parliament be involved in the reform process?

¶ 04 02. What is the Government’s position on abolishing the Executive Presidential system?

¶ 05 03. If the Government intends to abolish the Executive Presidency, will it present to this House a timeline for it?

¶ 06 04. When does the Government expect to hold the Provincial Councils Election?

¶ 07 05. Is it the Government’s position to continue delaying the Provincial Councils Election by delimitation constraints, or will it clarify to this House its stance on holding it under the previous proportional representation system?

¶ 08 06. The current policy statement mentions restoring broken public confidence in the judiciary. You have proposed establishing a Provincial Public Prosecutor’s Office. When will this be implemented? Meanwhile, there is public discourse regarding transfers, interdictions, and promotions of certain judges in high-profile cases. What is the Government’s assessment?

¶ 09 Thank you.