As an academic and a professional, I returned some three decades ago to serve my motherland, and I have served under every Executive President of this country. As an apolitical citizen I wish to make some suggestions to give hope to our youth and the future generations of this Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lanka is a country rich in natural resources and possessing a great cultural heritage, and boasting a moderate, pleasant climate. We could make this country a paradise through good leadership, preferably without party politics and acting purely on merit and integrity.
To achieve this ideal situation, the next elected President and the newly elected Parliamentarians should represent the majority view of the electorate.
The Constitution should be amended to incorporate the following:-
(i) That the Executive Presidency be abolished and the elected President allowed to continue in office for the balance period of the incumbent President until such time as Constitutional amendments are made.
(ii) That the future President, with much reduced powers, be elected by Parliament and be responsible to Parliament;
(iii) That the First-Past-The-Post election system be re-introduced for the electorates, with multiple seats for the larger electorates. Those elected would be responsible for the development of the electorate. The deposit should be about Rs. 100,000.
(iv) That the National List be decided by the voters. Those on the list should be able to contribute to national policy formulation. The deposit should be about Rs. 200,000. A voter should allowed about five votes.
(v) That the total number of MPs should not exceed 225;
(vi) That those standing for election should be barred from representing any political party, and using symbols or colours already adopted by registered parties;
(vii) That the system of by-elections be resumed when a vacancy is created by a resignation, a removal or the demise of an MP;
(viii) That the Speaker be elected the same way;
(ix) That the Executive Premiership be introduced and such Prime Minister be elected by Parliament;
(x) That the Cabinet of Ministers has a maximum 20 members, with Deputies and Secretaries chosen according to the sub-sectors introduced;
(xi) That the Secretaries be appointed by the Constitution Council;
(xii) That the Cabinet of Ministers for various portfolios be decided by Parliament, as proposed by the President in consultation with the Prime Minister;
(xiii) That the Cabinet of Ministers not include Members of Parliament, and that such persons resign from Parliament if they are already elected representatives;
(xiv) That the candidate with the next highest number of votes at the Parliamentary Election replace him;
(xv) That replacements be appointed within six months of the Parliamentary election, and replacements thereafter be made only through a by-election;
(xvi) That action be taken only when there is a general consensus of all party leaders at a collective forum subsequent to each individual party group being briefed.
Professor Dayantha Wijeyesekera |
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