Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe visited Kandy today to brief religious leaders on the draft 21st Amendment to the Constitution.
Speaking to media the Minister said excessive powers vested in the Executive Presidency must be devolved to Parliament and governmental institutions.
Minister Rajapakshe noted through the 19th Amendment to the Constitution the independency of state institutions was ensured, for the purpose of investigating bribery and corruption.
He noted such measures were reversed through the 20th Amendment.
Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa stated an individual holding dual citizenship was appointed to the Ministry of Finance and played a significant role in creating the prevalent economic crisis.
The Minister said he hoped to rectify such provisions through the draft Amendment.
The Minister said he hopes to obtain the blessings of the Chief Prelates and brief them on the proposed amendments.
Meanwhile, Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe noted the opposition is also in favour of the abolishment of the Executive Presidency.
He added abolishing the Executive Presidency requires a referendum as the entire Constitutional framework is based on one post.
The Minister claimed the executive President is responsible for national security and reiterated that the abolishment of such powers should be determined through a referendum.
The Justice Minister said after the draft 21st Amendment is passed, attention could be drawn to a new Constitution that would abolish the post of the Executive President.
The Minister of Justice further stated the opposition called for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa adding if the President resigned, Parliament is tasked with appointing an acting President.
Minister Rajapaksa said since the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna held a majority in Parliament there is a possibility that Former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa would be appointed to the post.
Hence, the Justice Minister said it was required that further action be taken with the consent of the public.