President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says meaningful change cannot be achieved without taking risks, stressing that the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is not intended to benefit or target any individual.
The President made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of the Bar Association yesterday (12), where extensive discussions were held on the proposed constitutional reforms.
Dissanayake said he approached the discussion with an open mind and stressed the importance of constructive engagement. He also said the substance of discussions should not be announced through media statements before the discussions are concluded, as this could hinder open dialogue.
The President said he regarded the views presented by the Bar Association as representing the wider legal community rather than the personal views of an individual.
He further stressed that his approach to governance is firmly based on the Constitution and that his administration would not use executive powers beyond constitutional limits.
Addressing concerns over the risks associated with the proposed constitutional reforms, Dissanayake said he was prepared to accept personal risks in order to bring about change.
“I do not believe change can happen without risk. Change always requires someone to take a risk,” he said.
Referring to the ongoing Easter Sunday attack investigations, the President said he was prepared to accept risks even when investigations involved institutions responsible for his own security.
He added that if he were to lose his position in the process of bringing about change, he would be prepared to accept that outcome.
The President also responded to concerns that the proposed reforms could provide privileges to particular individuals within the judiciary.
He questioned where the line should be drawn when defining privilege, noting that changes relating to judicial appointments or the number of judges could be interpreted in different ways.
Dissanayake said he had made every effort to ensure that the proposed reforms were not designed around or intended to benefit any particular individual.
He said the objective was instead to transform the judiciary into a stronger and more effective institution.
