Minister GL Peiris explains inclusion of “Immunity of President from suit” in 20th Amendment

September 9, 2020 at 4:08 PM

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP and Minister G. L. Peiris has clarified that the ‘Immunity of President from suit’ proposed in the 20th Amendment to the Constitution has not been drafted to protect the President from Court cases but to enable him to provide an uninterrupted service to the public.

Addressing the media, he explained that Article 35 (1) of the proposed 20A says, “While any person holds office as President, no proceedings shall be instituted or continued against him in any court or tribunal in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him either in his official or private capacity.”

Minister Peiris further said that as long as the 19th Amendment remains, the President will have to report to courts and will not be able to efficiently serve the public, adding that special arrangements have been made by allocating considerable time for the President to address court related matters.

The President was made to appear before various commissions and courts prior to his election. If he is to appear before such courts and commissions after being elected as the President, he will not have sufficient time to implement pledges made in his election manifesto ‘Vistas for Prosperity’’, Minister Peiris added. (NewsWire)