Maithripala to retain executive powers on Provincial Councils

Common Opposition Candidate Maithripala Sirisena says that, if elected as the President of Sri Lanka, he will do away with all executive powers vested with the President except those regarding the Provincial Councils.

He stated that the executive powers on provincial councils vested with the President under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution will remain because if those powers are abolished they will be transferred to the provincial councils.

“That will create 9 governments in the country. Therefore such a situation will not arise,” he said, in an interview with BBC Sandeshaya.

The former SLFP General Secretary stated that after he is elected as the President and the Executive Presidency is abolished, extensive powers will be transferred to the Parliament while the President will continue as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and will be responsible for good governance.

“What we are clearly stating is that a President without executive powers will continue form then onwards ,” Sirisena said.