Sri Lanka responds to US concerns on passage of 18th Amendment

The Sri Lankan government today, responding to the concerns expressed by the United States on the just passed constitutional reforms, said the passage of 18th Amendment to Sri Lanka's Constitution last week in the parliament with a two-third majority is an entirely internal matter.

The government said while it, along with the people, values the longstanding relationship with the United States it regrets that the U. S. State Department comment has not been able to do justice to the true intent and circumstances behind the enactment of the 18th Amendment.
In a statement released today, the External Affairs Ministry said the passing the 18th Amendment "took place in full accord with the provisions of the Constitution and in total compliance with a unanimous decision of the Supreme Court, with an overwhelming majority of 161 Members of Parliament of a total of 225, voting in favour."
The United States on Saturday (11) said it has closely followed the progress and the passage of the 18th Amendment Sri Lanka Constitution and expressed concern over the approved saying the new measure weakens checks and balances and undermines the principles of constitutional democracy.
The Ministry statement pointing out that successive governments have failed to fully implement the 17th Amendment to the Constitution since its inception, said the 18th Amendment was presented after careful consideration.
The government said the 17th Amendment could lead to the practical situation of depriving the executive arm of government of the authority and disciplinary control, essential to meet the constitutional obligation of managing the machinery of state and the 18th Amendment resolves this issue.
The Ministry statement explained that the removal of term limits by the 18th Amendment will serve to prevent any potential for the political authority of the Head of State and Government being eroded during the course of a second term, due to an arbitrarily imposed time limitation of service to the nation.

"In fact the 18th Amendment re-establishes the will of the people as the sole factor, which should correctly determine the continuity of tenure," it noted.
Sri Lankan parliament on September 8th approved the 18th Amendment to the country's Constitution with a two-third majority, paving the way for the immensely popular President Mahinda Rajapaksa to seek reelection for a third term.
The U.S. in its statement called on the Government of Sri Lanka to promote the principles of good governance, democracy, and independent State institutions.
Critics of the 18th amendment say the proposed parliamentary council has no powers and the President would have more powers over many independent institutions, seriously impacting the justice, free elections, and human rights.