Mr. President: Enact The 20A Through A Referendum

By Nagananda Kodituwakku –June 11, 2015

Nagananda Kodituwakku

Mr. President: Enforce Articles 85 & 86 of the Constitution to enact the 20A through a referendum

Watchful and concerned citizens are witnessing as to how the PresidentSirisena’s proposed 20th amendment to the Constitution is being effectively hijacked by the Rajapaksa clan, demanding more MPs under the Proportional Representation System to the Parliament.

Historical background

When the British left this country, a time-tested democratic system of governance, was established in this country, based on the British Westminster style that prevails untouched even today in the UK. Under this system all members to the House of Commons are directly elected by the people and but not a single member is appointed or elected by any other means. Under Westminster democracy, all candidates are required to prove their worth to their respective constituencies and are required to win a clear mandate over all other opposing candidates.

JRJ removed the Westminster Democracy for a private benefit

When JRJ was elected to office in 1977, this truly democratic system was abandoned and relying on the voter-base the UNP enjoyed countrywide, the current proportional representation system was established. This invariably permitted all undesired people, including ethanol smugglers, drug dealers, murderers, sexual offenders and many other anti-social elements to enter into mainstream politics. As a result the legislature was heavily burdened with social liabilities, who have entered the Parliament after aggressive and expensive election campaigns. And it is sad to note that it has been customary for the Executive to abuse the office of the Attorney General to have the indictments, served on such criminals who have become MPs, withdrawn.

People have lost faith in the PR system

Fed up and disgusted with the character and conduct of such people dominating the legislature, the people have given a clear mandate to President Maitripala Sirisena to revert to the Westminster style of governance that offers only a very slim chance for the cheats to become MPs over their opponents who are with a high degree of integrity and social stand.
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