The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which was passed in Parliament on Tuesday with an overwhelming majority, has barred former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa from contesting Parliamentary elections.
The adoption of the 19th amendment to the constitution with two-thirds majority is a historic victory of Sri Lankan society says President Maithripala Sirisena. This victory is the result of a 37-year long struggle of all active citizens of Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that all in the parliament contributed to the historic 19th Amendment that made the executive president responsible to the Parliament through the Cabinet following the passage of the Amendment.
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution was passed with a vast majority in Parliament, a short while ago on Tuesday (28), with the government gaining 211 votes in favor of the amendment while 01 voted against it, 01 member abstained from voting. 10 members were absent.
The second reading of the 19th Amendment to Constitution was passed in Parliament with a majority of 214 votes, a short while ago, with 215 members voting for and a single vote against.
Parliament has approved three(03) months leave for MP Basil Rajapaksa commencing from today (28). The approval was granted on a proposal made by Opposition leader Nimal Siripala De Silva.
Three wanted Taliban terrorists, including one militant involved in the attack on Sri Lankan Cricket team in Lahore, were killed today by the Pakistan security forces during an operation near Lahore, officials said.
The next two days will be a historic moment for all Sri Lankans, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa said in parliament today. He added that with the 19th amendment to the constitution Sri Lankans will finally be rid of modern-day slavery.
In his address to Parliament prior to the debate on the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, President Maithripala Sirisena said he was the only President who had been so flexible and committed to reducing or curtailing the absolute powers of the executive presidency.
A Sri Lankan team left for Nepal from Colombo on Sunday to assist in rescue and relief operations, following the earthquake on Saturday that left over 2,000 people dead and 5,000 others injured.
The Convener of the National Movement for Social Justice, Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera will commence a satyagraha today at the Independence Square demanding political parties to pass the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
Popular actor Daya Alwis who was being treated at hospital following an accident last week passed away this morning, Director of the Jayawardenapura hospital told media. He was aged 72 at the time of demise.
