Wednesday, 16 June 2010 01:36

By Kelum Bandara

Opposition UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday called upon President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne to place the proposals for constitutional reforms before the country instead of keeping them in secret.

Addressing the media, Mr. Wickremesinghe said the entire country including some government ministers had been kept in the dark about these reforms. For the first time in the political history of the country, the UNP leader said, secret attempts were being made to amend the constitution.

“Earlier, committees were appointed. There were parliamentary select committees appointed in this respect. Why is it done in secret now?” he asked.

Mr.Wickremesinghe stressed that his party would oppose any constitutional change that is contrary to democratic principles, or restricts the freedom of people. “Instead of addressing the pressing problems of people, the government is planning to satisfy its hunger for power through constitutional reforms. They are required to satisfy the hunger of people,” he said. Commenting on the Cabinet paper for constitutional reforms being referred to the Attorney General, he said that it is against the usual practice.

“Normally, constitutional reforms are taken up at a Cabinet meeting only after they are referred to the Attorney General. In this case, it has happened the other way around,” he said.