Sri Lanka?s 21st Constitutional Amendment

Sri Lanka’s 21st Constitutional Amendment

News: The government of Sri Lanka intends to introduce the 21st Constitutional Amendment Bill. The 21st Constitutional Amendment seeks to repeal the 20th Amendment.

About:
• It seeks to reduce the Presidency to a ceremonial position, retaining the powers of the President on all three armed forces.
• However, almost all other key powers pertaining to governance, and cabinet ministers will be handed over to the Prime Minister.
• It seeks to transfer powers of making key appointments from the President to the Constitutional Council.
• The President would be required to act on the Prime Minister’s advice to determine the scope and functions of ministries and appoint ministers, deputy ministers and state ministers.

What is happening in Sri Lanka?
• The amendment comes at a time when Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic and political crisis.
• Shortage of Forex reserves has led to long queues for fuel, cooking gas and other essentials.
• Protestors have been gathering across the island nation, calling for resignation of President Gotabaya, his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as PM.

Need for Amendments:
• It seeks to restore peace in the country.
• It aims to address the governance issue prevailing in the nation