2nd lead

Can't give back Defence Ministry - PA

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 12 November 2003, 06:13 GMT]
PA media spokesman and parliamentarian, Dr.Sarath Amunugama, addressing a press conference Wednesday said that the Ministry of Defence cannot be handed over to the UNF government. PA asked the Speaker not to convene Parliament before 19th of Novemember as "it would be unconstitutional".

He said that MoD cannot be handed back to UNF because Supreme Court has ruled that defence should be under President according to the constitution.

He alleged that the President's phone lines were tapped by UNF govt. Amunugama said President has now ordered to dismantle the equipment for tapping her phones after taking over Ministry of Defense (MoD).

In the meantime, the Prime Minister has met the President as scheduled. He was accompanied by his secretary Mr. Bradman Weerakoon, sources said.

Related Articles:
11.11.03   Wickremesinghe will meet SL President tomorrow - Peiris
11.11.03   More constitutional snags hit Sri Lanka’s crisis
10.11.03   'Take control of peace process or return ministries' - UNF
10.11.03   SL President invites PM for talks on national government
10.11.03   UNF prepared to face snap elections - Peiris
10.11.03   Speaker to entertain request to reconvene parliament
09.11.03   UNF to bow out of Peace Process?