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Government failing to meet deadlines of 100-day programme: NMSJ
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The Government has fallen back on fulfilling several important matters that were to be concluded by the end of February under its 100-day programme. Some important legislative businesses which were to be concluded last month still remain pending.
Both the Right to information Bill and the National Audit Bill which were to be tabled in Parliament last month have been delayed, even though the Bill relating to the introduction of a National Drug Policy has received Cabinet approval and will be taken up for debate in Parliament on March 4.
The other issues pending include the introduction of n Code of Conduct for Elected Representatives and re-establishment of the Independent Commissions.
While government is moving slowly on these matters, there is growing pressure by some of the parties to the 100-day programme to expedite its implementation.
Last week the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) held public discussions to review the 100-day programme. Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera who is a signatory to the programme said that all promises must be fulfilled prior to general elections being held.
Some of these include the scaling down of powers of the executive presidency, re-introduction of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, as well as reforms to the present Electoral System.
The issue of Electoral Reforms before the next general election is held has become a thorny issue with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stating that Parliament will be dissolved by April 23 even though Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratna told reporters this week that there would be no poll until the electoral system is changed.
“The people voted for President Maithripala Sirisena to implement some changes and this includes changes to the election laws. If we cannot do it in 100 days we will take more time and do it,” the Cabinet Spokesman said.
Speaking at the public discussion last week, Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri of the NMSJ said, under the 100-day programme, changes to the electoral law were due by March 2, while the related amendments were scheduled to be presented to the House by March 17. He said going by the progress made so far, it appeared unlikely that these deadlines would be met.
He said a special meeting of the Movement has been summoned for March 01 to further review progress of the 100–day programme.