–
Chandra Jayaratne
The Secretary to the Select Committee of Parliament to Recommend and
Report on Political and Constitutional Measures to Empower the People of
Sri Lanka to Live as One Nation,
Parliament of Sri Lank,
Parliamentary Complex,
Sri Jayawardhanapura,
Kotte.
Dear Sir,
Representations to the Select Committee of Parliament to Recommend and Report on Political and Constitutional Measures to Empower the People of Sri Lanka to Live as One Nation, Promoting Social , Economic, Political and Cultural Development and Ensuring that All People will Preserve and Promote Their Respective Identities and Live With Dignity and Security as One Nation and Enhance the Unity of People of Sri Lanka
I refer you to the public notice dated 10th July 2013 in the above connection issued under your hand and have pleasure in making my submissions for due consideration by the Parliamentary Select Committee.
I submit that the objectives as set out in the terms of reference of the Parliamentary Select Committee referred to above cannot be achieved on a sustainable long term basis within the present political structure/culture and in terms of the present Constitution.
I therefore submit that it is essential for the Parliamentary Select Committee to present in its recommendation sand report that the under noted fundamental political and constitutional measures be introduced to give effect to the;
- Abolition of the Executive Presidency and the reverting to the framework of governance with a Prime Minister and Cabinet as contained in the 1972 Constitution
- Parliamentary elections being a mix of first past the post and proportional representation with an agreed quota of women and youth representation in the elected bodies being satisfied by the nominations made from the proportional list
- Effective devolution of power to the provincial councils and also to the pradeshiya sabahs
I however believe that unless in the interim and as an immediate priority measure, political and constitutional action steps are taken to ensure effective, efficient and economic good governance, democratic freedom, rule of law, justice, equity, social justice and environmental sustainability the objectives set in the terms of reference of “Empowering the People of Sri Lanka to Live as One Nation, Promoting Social , Economic, Political and Cultural Development and Ensuring that All People will Preserve and Promote Their Respective Identities and Live With Dignity and Security as One Nation and Enhance the Unity of People of Sri Lanka” will not be realized.
Therefore this submission is restricted to Political and Constitutional changes aimed at good economic and social governance, democratic freedom, rule of law, development of ethno religious harmony only. The relevant submissions are detailed in annexure.
Kindly acknowledge receipt.
Yours Faithfully,
Chandra Jayaratne
8th August 2013
Read the submission here
