MR Empowered Himself During His Tenure: Kabir Hashim

Minister of Public Enterprises Development cum General Secretary of the United National Party Kabir Hashim said, through the 18th amendment Mahinda Rajapakshe took away the powers of the people and enriched a group and himself.

According to 19th constitutional amendment, a democratically elected government cannot be overthrown until the next election.

This was in response to a statement made by former President Mahinda Rajapakshe claiming that he will work towards defeating the incumbent government in 2017.

It will not deter the government’s focus on empowering the people he added.

Minister Hashim expressed that the former President had been making such claims since the defeat at the last Presidential Election.

Minister pointed out that during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s 10 year reign, he only strengthened his position through constitutional amendments.

Minister Hashim stressed that, threats made by Mahinda Rajapakshe will not affect the present administration.