Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera has submitted an adjournment motion in Parliament urging the government to accelerate efforts to draft and adopt a new Constitution.
The motion cites President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s election manifesto, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” which included a commitment to constitutional reform. Perera said the government has not taken concrete steps toward this pledge since the president assumed office.
Key proposals in the motion include:
– Abolishing the executive presidency,
– Re-establishing a parliamentary system of governance,
– Creating a presidency without executive powers,
– Introducing a new parliamentary electoral system.
Perera noted that the main opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), also supports urgent constitutional reform.
The motion calls for:
1. The establishment of a Constitutional Drafting Assembly with representation from all political parties.
2. A committee of constitutional law experts to assist in drafting.
3. Government-provided resources to support the process.
4. Completion of the drafting and approval process within one year.