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MS wants all parties to declare stand on reforms

8 June 2015 05:45 pm - 16     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Maithripala Sirisena requested all political parties to come forward within the next few days and declare their respective positions on the proposed electoral reforms. He stressed that the passage of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution (that would do away with the weaknesses of the Proportional Representation System) was the need of the hour.

Addressing a public rally held in support of the 20th Amendment at Viharamahadevi Park last afternoon, President Sirisena went on to say that attempts to sabotage the passage of the 20th Amendment, or to prevent its presenation in parliament or scuttle it would be treason and a betrayal of the trust the people had placed in their representatives.

"If the current electoral system remains for another few years in in this country, only those mudalalis who can spend millions on their election propaganda would enter parliament, and there would be no place in politics for educated, decent people who have a genuine desire to serve the people," he said.

The country had seen the ill effects of unsuitable persons getting elected to parliament as a result of the current PR system. However the people of the country had given a mandate on January 8 to prune the unfettered powers of the Executive President and introduce a new electoral system through the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. By enacting the 19th Amendment, the absolute powers enjoyed by the Executive President were removed to a certain extent after 37 years of struggle. And it was a victory for all those responsible for the good work, he said.

It was vital that the 20th Amendment also be enacted, with same enthusiasm that was displayed in approving the 19th Amendment, as only then could the people's aspirations be fulfilled and people's rights protected, he said.

Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala De Silva, UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha, Communist Party leader D. E. W. Gunasekara, Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne and SLFP media coordinator Thilanga Sumathipala also spoke.

The rally had been organised by the SLFP on the theme 'Let's Abolish the Preferential Voting System - Bring Victory to 20A'. (Sandun A Jayasekera)
Video by Chaturanga Pradeep

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  Comments - 16

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  • Obsirwar Tuesday, 09 June 2015 02:43 AM

    Dear Mr President, This Siripala dude, wherever he goes in public he is sleeping in front of camera. We do not want such a person in our parliament let alone to be the PM. Also, we hope this idiotic mudalali ZooMatiPala, Mervyn Silva, and Kudu Duminda like critters are not to be given nominations....It seems they have bribed and bought MY3 regime too.....

    Dhana Tuesday, 09 June 2015 04:53 AM

    Excellent speech. We hope all parties would support this sincere effort by the President.

    Ram Tuesday, 09 June 2015 06:32 AM

    Nimal Siripala happily dosing off. He is about to knock MS off!! I personally do not want this kind of person in our Parliament. This is not to first time he was caught on camera

    ShootingStar Tuesday, 09 June 2015 07:02 AM

    A strong commitment, a store speech and a man drop unconscious. The "Swan" power in action. Well done Sir, Thank You Sir from the bottom of my heart.

    Ryan Tuesday, 09 June 2015 08:31 AM

    should send nimal siripala to north korea. via DM Android App

    Sikuru Tuesday, 09 June 2015 08:30 AM

    It seems Nimal is tired after trying to promote the 20A in the UPFA, He is one of the few good guys in the SLFP and I salute him

    dilanr Tuesday, 09 June 2015 08:56 AM

    If only KIM Jong Un was In Sri Lanka :)

    ss Tuesday, 09 June 2015 09:17 AM

    Haiiiiooooo!!! siripalaaaaaaa

    johan Tuesday, 09 June 2015 09:20 AM

    Ah! see Nimal one again may be he is not sleeping in the nights.Whoever want to contest they should have some basic qualifications in education, good background with social activities, morality etc. etc.

    The God Father Tuesday, 09 June 2015 09:21 AM

    There should be a new amendment specifically to ban people like Nimal Sripala entring parliament, its a disgraze for the President to be seated next to this dumb, one before the last picture shows it all.

    lkboy Tuesday, 09 June 2015 10:08 AM

    Aiyo Siripaala!

    Karigalan Tuesday, 09 June 2015 10:42 AM

    We r really lucky to have u as our president

    malik1958 Tuesday, 09 June 2015 10:46 AM

    This is the best talk from MS;You right they have to dance to your redam.

    Fassey Tuesday, 09 June 2015 11:14 AM

    Wake up Honorable leader of the opposition. He has forgotten he is seated next to the President of the country and SLFP chairman.Man very badly needs an evening nap. In case SLFP wins he will be PM representing the county at international level. Voters have to think twice. He is seen many times sleeping at public meetings and even during parliament proceedings. This is the reason people need retirement after a long period of service. Politicians hold on to the positions until the time comes for them to hold walking stick. This culture should change.

    Mason Tuesday, 09 June 2015 11:25 AM

    Glad to see the SLFP participation even though one is happily dozing off. Hope things will go forward without further hubble bubble.

    Gamini Tuesday, 09 June 2015 04:29 PM

    Well said, Highly appreciated.


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