The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has proposed to establish an Interim Government of National Unity consisting of 15 Cabinet Ministers to create political and economic stability in the country. In a press statement on Saturday, the BASL came up with 13 proposals for immediate implementation.
The statement undersigned by BASL President Saliya Peiris, PC and Secretary Isuru Balapatabendi proposed that the Prime Minister of the National Unity Government should be a Member of Parliament (MP) who is able to establish a consensus among all political Parties.
“If there is no MP who meets this criterion due to the exigencies of the situation a vacancy created by the resignation of a National List MP may be used to facilitate the entry into Parliament of an individual who meets this criterion, even if such individual’s name did not appear in the original List submitted to the National Elections Commission,” the BASL said.
“The Government of National Unity will be for a maximum period of eighteen months and a further 6 weeks as a caretaker Government to oversee Elections. At the conclusion of 18 months Parliament will be dissolved and a General Election will be held at the expiry of 6 weeks. The Government of National Unity will cease to exist at the conclusion of the General Election,” the statement read
The proposals of the BASL include the abolition of the Executive Presidency as early as possible but not later than 15 months. “The amendment to that effect should be passed in Parliament no later than November 30, 2022 and must set the operative date by which the Executive Presidency will be abolished,” proposed the BASL adding that the President should not hold any portfolio.
It proposed to appoint an independent Advisory Council consisting of 15 qualified professionals from disciplines corresponding to the 15 Ministries or relevant to the national economy. “All major policy decisions of the Government to be taken in consultation with the Advisory Council in a transparent manner,” the BASL statement said.
The BASL proposed that the Government immediately introduce the 21st Amendment to the Constitution by repealing the provisions of the 20th Amendment and restoring the 19th Amendment. “In doing so the present number of Court of Appeal and Supreme Court Judges should remain intact. The introduction of the provisions of the 19th Amendment should result in the re-establishment of the Constitutional Council, the Independent Commissions which existed under the 19th Amendment whilst enhancing their financial independence, transparency and accountability” it stated.
The BASL further proposed to prepare a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) in consultation with the Advisory Council. “The CMP will be tabled in Parliament for its approval and implementation of the CMP will be the responsibility of the Cabinet of National Unity. The CMP should lay special emphasis on caring for the most vulnerable people of Sri Lanka at this time.
It also proposed to rescind the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCOI) appointed by Gazette (Extraordinary) No. 2212/53 of January 29, 2021 to implement the recommendations and decisions made by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to Investigate Allegations of Political Victimization during the Period Commencing January 8, 2015 and Ending November 16,2019 appointed by Gazette (Extraordinary) No. 2157/44 of January 9, 2020, and to refrain from implementing the recommendations of that PCOI.
courtesy dailynews.lk
