Is a Westminster type system calling again?
New electoral structure on the cards
Senior Minister, Ratnasiri Wickremanayake stressed that a new electoral system to replace the preferential vote system that turned candidates contesting under a single banner into arch enemies who resorted to misdemeanors unbecoming of public representatives would be implemented this year. Addressing a meeting at the Horana SLFP Office to enroll new members and to distribute school requisites among children from low-income families he said that in the first instance local government elections would be held under the new electoral system.
Minister Wickremanayake went on to say: “The economy and the military strength were the main criteria in considering a country as a super-power in the 19th centaury. The US assumed the status of a super power based on these criteria. However America, Germany, and Greece are facing serious economic crises now. Oil producing countries are facing similar crises. A large percentage of oil deposits in Iraq are now exhausted. Libya and Iran have undergone vast political changes. It is the international scenario today.
America is not the only nation able to boast about nuclear superiority. China, India, and Iran too are armed with nuclear weapons. Countries in the Asian region will soon supersede America as super powers. Sri Lanka depends on an economic system unique to the country. Today Sri Lanka has joined hands with many friendly coun- tries and the Western block should not attempt to aim their guns at us as in the past.”
Parliamentarian Vidura Wickremanayake and several local politicians attended the meeting.