The National Freedom Front (NFF) led by parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa has announced to the Speaker today that its members will resign from the Constitutional Assembly.
Party leader, MP Weerawansa and four other MPs of the party handed over the letter of resignation to the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday. Members of the National Freedom Front, Jayantha Samaraweera, Weerakumara Dissanayake and Niroshan Premaratne were also present.
The resignation letter which points out 10 reasons for their decision to resign has been signed by NFF members Jayantha Samaraweera, Weerakumara Dissanayake, Padma Udayashantha Gunasekara and Niroshan Premaratne.
Speaking at the event, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said, he appreciates a political party being aware and critical of the country’s vital issues. However, the Speaker pointed out that up to now no document has been submitted to parliament and in that background it would be more appropriate if the party does not deviate from the constitutional process.
Responding to the Speaker, MP Wimal Weerawansa said that his party was particularly concerned about the views of the Maha Nayakas in reaching this decision.
If in the future any document on is presented to the parliament on formulating the new constitution, the parliament will be able to gather as a Constitutional Assembly and broadly review the ideas presented, the Speake pointed out.
He added that the NFF will then be able to participate in the process of constitution making and present their views.
Sri Lanka’s unicameral parliament on 9 March 2016 without a vote approved the proposal to change the Parliament to a Constitutional Assembly which will consist of all Members of Parliament.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
