UNP leader Ranil Wickramesinghe has asked the government to introduce in parliament a legislation for the amendment of the constitution to increase the authority and power of the commissioner of elections. Wickramesinghe, who is also the leader of the opposition, has already submitted a notice to move a motion to this effect.

He said there has been considerable public agitation and demand for the establishment of an independent election commission to conduct elections at all levels and that for such purpose the commission should have the authority, inter alia, to give directions to police in the performance of their duties in accordance with the rule of the law.

He said elections are to be held in the near future to several provincial councils, and thus there is a need for making immediateamendments to the constitution to ensure that adequate legal provisions exist for conducting free and fair elections.

He also demanded an amendment to Article 103 (1) of the constitution so that the commissioner of elections is appointed by the president with the concurrence of the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition in parliament.