Responsibility without authority is the main flaw in the structural framework of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, Education Minister Prof. G.L.Peiris said.
Responding to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in Parliament yesterday as to why the government is so scared of the 19th Amendment, he said, “According to the Constitution, the primary duty of the President of the country is to ensure the security of the country.
However, According to the 19th Amendment, despite the President coming to power with 6.9 million votes, he cannot hold the Defence Ministry portfolio. But, the President is the head of the Security Forces and police.
Then how can he ensure national security if he does not have the police or security forces under his control? The President is entrusted with these responsibilities, but he does not have the power or authority to practically implement any mechanism as he cannot hold the Defence Ministry portfolio under him.”
He noted that the 19th Amendment was in force over the past four years, but in all honesty asked if the country can be content with its effects and is this experience one that has been good for the country?Referring to an article in a weekend newspaper where former Secretary to President Sirisena, Austin Fernando had done a review of the 19th Amendment, he said this review is very relevant as Fernando, as the Secretary to the President had access to everything that had taken place during that period.”
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