Issuing a statement, Philip J. Crowley, the U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary for Bureau of Public Affairs said the U.S. has closely followed the progress and the passage of the 18th Amendment in Sri Lanka.
"The amendment eliminates term limits for the president and expands the power of the president over independent institutions, including the elections, police, and human rights commissions, as well as the judiciary," it said.
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.
"The United States looks to the government to take measures that will strengthen democracy including appointing appropriately qualified officials to bolster independent institutions, increase transparency, enhance power sharing and dialogue, and promote national reconciliation," the statement stressed.
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 amendment was passed with 161 votes in favor and 17 against it in the 225-mmeber parliament.
Among other reforms the 18th amendment proposes the appointment of a parliamentary council that decides the appointment of independent posts like commissioners of election, human rights, and Supreme Court judges.
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.
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