MR, Ranil reach consensus

12 July 2010 12:50 pm - 38 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Kelum Bandara

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and UNP leader Ranil Wickramasinghe who met today have agreed to continue talks on constitutional reforms and also reached a consensus in principle to abolish the executive presidency and replace it with an executive premiership responsible to the Parliament

The two leaders, flanked by senior members of their parties held talks today at Temple Trees on electoral reforms and constitutional changes.

Shortly after the meeting, Mr. Wickremesinghe stated at a press conference that the two parties would continue the dialogue this week and discuss issues on a priority basis. He said that talks would be conducted today on the new local government election system.

“We will try to reach a consensus on the election system. It will be used as a pilot project for the introduction of electoral reforms which seek to do away with the present parliamentary election system,” he said.

Under the proposed electoral reforms, the UNP Leader said, the two parties would try to introduce a mixed system of the present Proportional Representation System and the First-past-the post system for parliamentary elections.

He added that views were exchanged in regard to the independent commissions.

“We want to introduce a people friendly constitution. We will push for it. While having negotiations with the government, we will carry out our agitation campaign demanding such constitutional reforms and the lowering of the cost of living,” he said.

In this exercise, Mr. Wickremesinghe said, the media had a great role to play in initiating a public debate on the proposed constitutional reforms.

“I think there is a golden opportunity for media. The media should grab it and initiate a public debate. Don’t leave it upon us alone! Whenever there is a media debate, fresh ideas can emerge. It will be a help to us. We will do our job on behalf of the people,” he said.

Pix by Sudath Silva

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Comments - 38

Alice Tuesday, 13 July 2010 04:45 AM

Isnt anyone worried about this? Its not about M and Ranil . Its like Srilanka is turning into China. This whole premiership is just like that in china. It could easily shift both ways for our country. If its good, then all is well, but if its bad, we are heading to communism. Good bye democracy

Wijebahu Tuesday, 13 July 2010 01:19 AM

Credit for Ranil for initiating discussion on something worthwhile.

raj Tuesday, 13 July 2010 02:18 AM

I guess MR & RW can understand each other's needs and survival as president and opposition leader!

Aziz Mohammed Tuesday, 13 July 2010 02:26 AM

Neither Ranil nor UNP will learn Lessons !

Damien Perera Tuesday, 13 July 2010 02:50 AM

Good news and this is the way to go. But, seems too good to be true. How long will this last?

Smart Aleck Tuesday, 13 July 2010 03:29 AM

They might agree on many things but will any of those genuinely benefit the citizens of this country.

willows Tuesday, 13 July 2010 03:39 AM

If these talks are genuine and candid, we can hope for a better future, they both should get together and put their individual expertiese and develop the country???

Roshan Tuesday, 13 July 2010 03:49 AM

Ranil knows that very soon he will loose the leadership of the UNP, so he is trying to become the PM with help of MR.

Jerry Tuesday, 13 July 2010 03:57 AM

Unfortunately I don't trust Ranil anymore. Is this something to do with the UNP reforms and the fact that he may be replaced by Sajith??

razi Tuesday, 13 July 2010 04:21 AM

MR RANIL WICKRAMASINGHE FIRST PUT YOUR HOUSE IN
ORDER

garawi Tuesday, 13 July 2010 12:36 AM

This is a good begining. Immediately after the election of Chandrika in 1994 she invited Ranil for talks about resolving the question of minorities but he refused. After so many electoral defeats he now seem to have understood his inability to come in to power and decided to work with the government. Never too late, a good decision! Hopefully they will look in to a solution acceptable to all sans leaving a path to a division of the country.

malkanthi Tuesday, 13 July 2010 04:52 AM

Ranil is the only ideal consultant, an insightful man. Though he is not practical, he got all the theories right, very mature political views supported by relevant by- laws, unlike any present day politicians.

Murshid Idroos Tuesday, 13 July 2010 05:23 AM

Its a great move to give political stability .But please both MR and RW please carry forward and bring all the communities and the best brains on a common platform

Saman Tuesday, 13 July 2010 05:24 AM

That understanding is good for the people of SL

Murshid Idroos Tuesday, 13 July 2010 05:24 AM

To RW also keep up your constructive opposition for a vibrant government

Lanke Banda Tuesday, 13 July 2010 05:34 AM

A Temporary Marriage ?

Calistus Jayatilleke Tuesday, 13 July 2010 08:26 AM

Yes, indeed, a temporary marriage which will result in the groom's side taking up permanent residence on the bride's side!

Citizen Tuesday, 13 July 2010 10:02 AM

Last time Ranil lost 17. I wonder how many will he lose this time! Will it be doubl that No.????

Nandimithra Tuesday, 13 July 2010 11:41 AM

RW must take more able people in his party along with him - especially some people like Wijedasa and Srinath,

pre_empty Monday, 12 July 2010 03:24 PM

As happens earlier to the all party proposal, MR will get a common proposal and will reject it and put it in the dust bin

Geronimo Monday, 12 July 2010 01:09 PM

The talks probably will continue until a few more frogs do the jump! But if it is not what we think and is really genuine, then it is a good sign. I will not bet on it though.

Dhamsen Monday, 12 July 2010 01:13 PM

It is good move. Why can't they get together to face international pressure being faced now.

Dingimahattaya Monday, 12 July 2010 01:17 PM

Dont worry, Ranil will be the next priminister

Rajapaksha Monday, 12 July 2010 01:42 PM

Because they don't have a common agenda.

Senior Citizen Monday, 12 July 2010 01:48 PM

I hope Ranil will take some others from his party otherwise he will get played out as in past circumstances like on CFA & with Chandrika.

Kirthi hewamanne Monday, 12 July 2010 02:18 PM

And then there is Wimal Weerawansa.He ...he...he....

sarath samarakone Monday, 12 July 2010 02:39 PM

very glad to hear.

Ranjit Monday, 12 July 2010 03:09 PM

Another attempt to trap Ranil.

Wasantha Monday, 12 July 2010 03:24 PM

Unbelievable "U" turn Mr. President. Hope that no hidden agendas behind this.

local boy Monday, 12 July 2010 01:09 PM

MR and RW will agreed to settle(lifetime) as president and opposition leader

steve Monday, 12 July 2010 03:36 PM

The government should be of the people, by the people, for the people.
It is that simple when everyone understands that.

Sumal Monday, 12 July 2010 03:42 PM

Should consider this positively. Need of the hour. RW should be appreciated for his attempt of changing the present authoritarian style rule.

RajasH Monday, 12 July 2010 03:44 PM

what about a consesus in addressing the grievances of the Minorities.

Wickum Monday, 12 July 2010 06:48 PM

Ranil needs to keep his party 'alive,' without crossovers!

Sena2 Monday, 12 July 2010 07:11 PM

Augurs well for the country, if this process of cooperation can be sustained.

td Monday, 12 July 2010 10:48 PM

Good move, by both leaders!

toejoe Monday, 12 July 2010 11:23 PM

RANIL - The great SURVIVOR!

Wije Monday, 12 July 2010 11:31 PM

So, the President is at it again? This time, will he 'break' the UNP, right from the middle?

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MR, Ranil reach consensus

Comments - 38

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