No scientific survey on presidency, my personal views are of no value: Sajith

17 September 2019 08:56 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Minister Sajith Premadasa said today there has been no scientific survey done on the maintainability or the abolition of the executive presidency and his personal views are of no value.

Addressing a press conference early morning at the official residence of Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Minister Premadasa said that he is willing to listen to the people of the country and it is their decision. “My personal views are of no value. My views are based on peoples views and opinions. I have no monopoly on articulating and formulating policy,” he said.

When the journalist who raised the question said that it sounds ‘wishy-washy,’ Minister Premadasa responded that although it may sound ‘wishy-washy’ to the journalist it sounds ‘very coherent’ to him.

“As far as the executive presidency is concerned, in 2015 we made a pledge and certain drastic steps have been taken to reduce the powers of the presidency. Right now we are in the process of discussing, consulting and having initial discussions as to where the presidency should be placed. Whether it should be maintained or whether it should be abolished,” Minister Premadasa said.

“Everyone is coming up with their personal ideas and trying to place them as the highest position in the national political agenda. If I may say so. Some of the surveys that I have seen prioritise the cost of living as the most important subject in the national political agenda,” he said.

Then the journalist questioned: “But then where is the leadership? You are supposed to give leadership.”

Minister Premadasa replied: “I am willing to give democratic leadership, not autocratic leadership. For your information, I don’t want to become an elected dictatorship to coin a word of Lord Hailsham.”

Minister Premadasa was flanked by Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Malik Samarawickrema, Kabir Hashim, Ranjith Madduma Bandara and Chandrani Bandara at the press conference.

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Comments - 18

People1 Tuesday, 17 September 2019 09:10 AM

Good, You are the future for this country. Also the UNP leadership should conduct a vote to select the presidential candidate.

Saman Perera Tuesday, 17 September 2019 09:12 AM

The country needs a leader in 2020 but not a preacher.

Gemunu Wickremasinghe Tuesday, 17 September 2019 09:41 AM

Leaders mould decisions , not the follower principle.

Dallas Tuesday, 17 September 2019 09:41 AM

You can give no Leadership at all Sajith, you seem to lack courage

Samson Tuesday, 17 September 2019 09:44 AM

Country need practical people to lead not aristocrats.

Nimal Tuesday, 17 September 2019 09:47 AM

Your boss was asking for your "Winning Formula" and not your scientific formula. Your talking to the grassroots and building houses was not accepted as the winning formula. We are also disappointed like your boss!

Gayan Tuesday, 17 September 2019 09:48 AM

He is not capable of taking bold decisions.

Sunil Perera Tuesday, 17 September 2019 09:51 AM

Sri Lankans are used to be RULED and not governed. Its refreshing to see the concept of BEING GOVERNED coming from Sajith Premadasa. He deserves a chance rather than voting in the old brigade who are all well past their seventies. Like the rest of the world let us vote for younger leaders as did France and Canada.

Yehiya Tuesday, 17 September 2019 09:51 AM

You don't have scientific values in work. You will learn good lesson from Ranil

Roshanaly Tuesday, 17 September 2019 10:08 AM

I cannot undrstand how Malik Samarawickrema joined Sajith. He is more loyal to PM.

Man Tuesday, 17 September 2019 10:14 AM

That's what true democracy is all about and poor people worry only about their, 3 meals per day.

Rajan Tuesday, 17 September 2019 10:56 AM

People should give a chance to Sajith this time. I am confident that he will do a better job than MS, RW and also MR/GR.

cheers Tuesday, 17 September 2019 11:11 AM

The danger of a person like you becoming a President is that minorities like Tamils and Muslims will milk you for your agendas and you will ruin the majority of the country and also the country to disaster. Gota has got this now and no point any candidate contesting now people have decided

Nihal Amarasekera Tuesday, 17 September 2019 11:17 AM

Words and words are all I have to take "voters heart" away. Sing along!

Citizen Perera Tuesday, 17 September 2019 11:30 AM

We need a intelligent ,farsighted person....not a house builder...

Siri B Ris Tuesday, 17 September 2019 04:03 PM

No Sir .. the scientific survey was done. The ideal candidate must have at least 10 years of school with GCE o'level, bus driving skills, ability to cross waterways with the aid of a fallen tree trunk, a bit of football and cricket.

Rondy Tuesday, 17 September 2019 04:52 PM

Executive Presidency must be abolished. I'm sure even though most don't bother to talk about this, due to many other problems people face it is high time. Let the Parliament take control without having to see one man/woman show

Indrasiri Weerasena Tuesday, 17 September 2019 05:40 PM

The country needs a very strong leader with a clear vision. I don't see Mr. Sajith has a vision. He is doing politics belong to the 19th century.

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No scientific survey on presidency, my personal views are of no value: Sajith

Comments - 18

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