Opposition parties are united on the nomination of CS Mayadunne

President Rajapaksa's political ally, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) accused the government of trying to get away with not appointing the CC, even after political parties agreed for the member to represent minor parties in the parliament.

In a statement to the parliament, JVP parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa said it is possible to judicial recourse if there is any dispute on whether their nominee is qualified to hold the post.

All party agreement

The minor parties have agreed to suggest former Auditor General, CS Mayadunne, as their nominee for the CC breaking the months long deadlock that resulted with the executive president could not appoint the CC.

The Council that has powers to appoint the public bodies such as police, human rights and election commissions was the result of the 17 amendment to the constitution agreed by Sri Lanka parliament in September, 2001.

	Arbour said the appointment of NHRC was unconstitutional

The amendment was aimed at reducing the unlimited powers enjoyed by Sri Lanka's executive president under the 1978 constitution.

United Nations Human Rights Commissioner, Louise Arbour, has criticised President Rajapaksa's action to appoint the national human rights commission (NHRC) without the approval of the CC.

She was of the opinion that president's action that violated the constitution has seriously damaged NHRC's reputation.

The failure of the JVP that actively supported the 17 amendment and other minor parties including the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to agree on a common candidate resulted with the CC dysfunctional for months.

Independent commissions

Meanwhile, there were media reports that controversial minister Mervyn Silva was to be appointed to the CC as President Rajapaksa's representative.

When the matter was raised by United National Party (UNP) legislator John Ameratunga, the government categorically rejected any such move.

	Minister says President never considered appointing Minister Mervyn Silva to the CC

Chief Government Whip, Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopullai told the parliament that the president never announced or taken such a decision.

UNP and opposition leader, Ranil Wickramasinghe, also urged the government to activate the CC by appointing Mr. Mayadunne as soon as possible.

TNA parliamentary group leader, R Sambandan, said he believed speaker WJM Lokubandara has already communicated the nomination to President Rajapaksa.

All opposition parties in the parliament were united in supporting the nomination of Mr. Chandrasiri Mayadunne for the vacant position in the Constitutional Council.