Sri Lanka introduces reform bill to clip presidential powers

By KRISHAN FRANCIS
Associated Press

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka’s justice minister has submitted a proposed constitutional amendment to Parliament that would clip the powers of the president, a key demand of protesters calling for political reforms and solutions to the country’s economic crisis. The action came as former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled violent anti-government protests last month, was reportedly seeking to enter Thailand. A Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson says he would be allowed entry but had not asked for political asylum. However, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha says Rajapaksa is seeking asylum in a third country, which he did not name. The proposed constitutional amendments would transfer some presidential powers to a constitutional council comprising lawmakers and respected non-politicians.