"It's In The Constitution" - Range Bandara Advocates for Referendum as Constitutional Measure

COLOMBO (News 1st); General Secretary of the United National Party Palitha Range Bandara claimed that he made a proposal for a referendum as per the provisions of the constitution.

A week ago, the UNP General Secretary, Palitha Range Bandara, presented a proposal to postpone both the presidential and general elections by a span of two years.

In his statement, he emphasized that if circumstances warrant, this proposal can be formally submitted to the parliament, paving the way for a referendum.

On Monday (3), Range Bandara quoted the country's constitution "In the Republic of Sri Lanka sovereignty is in the People and is inalienable. Sovereignty includes the powers of government, fundamental rights and the franchise" adding that Article 4 of Chapter 1 of the constitution defines how the Sovereignty of the People shall be exercised and enjoyed.

The UNP General Secretary noted that Article 86 of Chapter 13 of the constitution "The President may, subject to the provisions of Article 85, submit to the People by Referendum any matter which in the opinion of the President is of national importance."

He added that section (1) and (2) of Article 87 of the constitution elaborate on the process.

The relevant sections of the constitution are as follows:

87. (1) Every Referendum shall be conducted by the Commissioner of Elections who shall communicate the result thereof to the President.

(2) Parliament shall by law provide for all matters relating to the procedure for the submission of Bills and of matters of national importance to the People by Referenda, the register of electors to be used at a Referendum, the creation of offences relating thereto and the punishment therefor and, all other matters necessary or incidental thereto.

Quoting the country's constitution, Palitha Range Bandara, the General Secretary of the United National Party said that on any matter that the President considers as one of national importance, the President can call for a referendum.

He said that the process is not in violation of the constitution, and is not at all illegal.

"Following the Aragalaya, the President took over the reins, the people have faith in the program that is being implemented," he told reporters while also noting that in 2027, the country has a colossal amount of debt to be serviced, and following which more debt will have to be obtained for development programs.

The UNP General Secretary said that what is taking place now, is preparing the country for such a situation in the future.

He noted that as per the constitution, priority should be given to the people's right to survive.

He called on other political factions to announce whether they are prepared to agree on a common understanding, and carry forward the economic program that is in place.

According to the UNP General Secretary, if the country deviates from the existing program, Sri Lanka would experience a crisis again, and would experience the reemergence of queues for essentials.

He said that he requested Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to put forward the proposal that he suggested, and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake to second the motion.

"It appears that both Sajith Premadasa, and Anura Kumara Dissanayake do not oppose this proposal, as both of them have not mentioned anything against it," he noted.