Why constitutional reforms is a must

28 April 2015 03:26 am - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The constitutional reforms have been a hot topic at every single presidential election for the last several decades. The MR government too in their UPFA manifestos made only mention of such promises and failed to act on them, and that was the main reason why the former regime was defeated two years prior to their full term.

The most creditable achievement for MR was winning the protracted expensive and devastating war. It is sad MR failed to understand or thereafter to take the country forward by cleaning up the system with necessary reforms from there onwards. When the popularity was at the highest level, he could have dissolved parliament easily and come forward with new blood to clean up the political system which was so corrupt for nearly three decades and in order to take the country forward. He could have strategically dropped the politicians who seem to be causing problems even at this juncture (disrupting present constitutional reforms) because they are the most corrupt lot in politics right now. This could have been the wisest move if it could have foreseen these afterwards winning the war. Unfortunately, the agenda was different for all of them and the corrupt politicos were permitted to bleed the country with no mercy at all.

We should thank MR, however, that he had openly accepted the responsibility for his failure to move reform proposals after winning the war. Accordingly, MR is no doubt better than all the people around him. We must urge MR to instruct his so-called followers not to disrupt the reforms. We have no doubt MR will fulfil his obligations if requested to do so.

The Parliament as we know is full of wheel dealers because of the present system. Unless this is changed, I do not think the country can prosper and it is bound to further destruction. The newly elected President is well aware of all these having been in politics for several decades and the status of affairs in the country. He has proved to the people that he is dependable and that he will not lead the country on the path of destruction. We know he will not let down the masses.

The new President is making an attempt to lead the country towards sustainable economic growth and development. The new reforms constitutionally, will help to uplift the poor standards in every single sphere and formation of commissions is something that has to be reintroduced early since the 18th Amendment passed in a rush had taken the country backwards. The 17th Amendment was a step forward. We should ensure 19th Amendment is passed. These are implications the average voter does not understand and therefore, the Maha Sangha should come forward again at this crucial juncture.

It may be worthwhile to remind the public that JRJ after the enactment of the 1978 Constitution boasted that a UNP government will always be in power and that the President will also be a UNPer for ever. They forgot people elect governments if only they fulfil their pledges. Lee Kuan Yew said winning elections will be easy if you raise the living standards of people. It is nothing but the truth the present constitution paved the way to create a newly rich group of politicos with no moral, ethical or human values and can understand the rule of personal aggrandizement at the cost of the general public.

This is why the newly elected President embarked on a mission for the benefit of the masses. The new mission should be to clean up the system with the necessary reforms constitutionally. The present government within the 100 days made it a point to come forward with the reforms. The people overwhelmingly voted and elected the new President with the hope that the constitutional reforms will be implemented. Even during the period when Kumarathunga government came forward with constitutional reforms, the then Opposition, present UNP, ensured the defeat of the proposal and this time a certain section of the Opposition again seem to be doing the very same thing. It is sad politicians in Sri Lanka defeat good things when they are in the Opposition and fail to do it properly even when they are in power as well.

The question that arises is whether these corrupt politicians do not want system improvements because they could thrive only when the systems are corrupt.
I now take this opportunity to appeal to the Maha Sangha that they should come forward again to save the country from these corrupt politicos who do not want the country secured. Ven. Rathana Thera initially broke ranks and came forward against the former regime. President Maithripala Sirisena too broke ranks to help the country to tread on the new path.

The country now, therefore, needs reforms so badly. If this could have been fulfilled by MR no doubt that he could have been regarded a national hero. I do not think he should, therefore, permit his followers to disrupt these reforms since he himself would agree that these are necessary for good governance.
Members of the Maha Sangha including Ven. Madoluwawè Sobitha Thera and Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera, no doubt, will take the lead to campaign against those who do not vote or keep away without attending Parliament on this crucial day as traitors if they failed to extend the support for constitutional reforms.

We have almost most to a dead end. The constitutional reforms are badly needed. If these reforms are defeated this time, we will be left with no alternative in future for us to salvage this country from the clutches of poor governance and in a country where there will be no law and order.

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Why constitutional reforms is a must

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