President vows not to exercise powers beyond constitutional limits

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has assured that he will not exercise his executive powers beyond the limits set by the Constitution.

The President made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday (12).

Responding to concerns over the use of executive power and possible constitutional changes, President Dissanayake said neither his executive powers nor any other powers vested in the government would be exercised outside the constitutional framework.

He also addressed concerns that constitutional changes could eventually force a president to leave office, saying he was prepared to accept such risks in pursuing political change.

“I am a person who is ready to leave. I did not come here intending to remain seated,” the President said.

He added that he was prepared to take risks to bring about the changes he believes are necessary.

“I do not believe change can happen without risk. Change always takes place by taking a risk,” he said.

The President’s remarks came amid discussions with the legal profession on constitutional governance, the exercise of executive power and proposed reforms.