President’s Address and ‘Cosmopolitanism’
On the question of a ‘new constitution,’ the main task as it has been emphasized is to reform the electoral system in order that democratic system is deepened and expanded. A constitution of a country is described ‘as the foundation of its self-identity’ in the speech. The question of ‘self-identity’ however is not only of the past, or the present, but also of the future. A constitution is both a mirror and the mold of a country. It should have a strong future vision.
by Laksiri Fernando
( September 3, 2015, Sydney, Sri Lanka Guardian) Sri Lanka Parliament elected by the people at recent elections might not be considered completely ‘cosmopolitan’ by any means. But judging by the main trends, there is fairly a strong trend towards that direction. It represents main shades and shapes of society fairly, except in the case of gender, one might point out. Be as it may, will the Members of Parliament behave and act cosmopolitanly in delivering their duties and responsibilities to the people? In making the first official policy statement of the new government, President Maithripala Sirisena has highlighted a major challenge that the members would face as follows.
