We need a leader who upholds country’s constitution

JHU, the main ally of the UPFA government is reported to have submitted to the President its own proposals (19th amendment) which it drafted to change the country’s Constitution. The media reported today these proposals have been sent by the president to his party’s (SLFP) approvals. Although, the JHU wants to pass its amendment in parliament before the next presidential election we should not forget that the JVP and JHU are completely responsible for the present situation of the country because these two political parties did not co-operate with the opposition to nominate their members to the Constitutional Council at the time the 17th Amendment was active.

They said at that time there parties were representing the minorities and therefore, they have the sole authority to appoint a member to the council on behalf of the minority parties. As a result of this tug-of-war between the minority parties, the appointment of members to the council was postponed.

Under this circumstance the incumbent President took action to abolish the 17th Amendment saying that it has many shortfalls. Later he introduced the 18th Amendment, under which the President is given powers to appoint members to the independent commissions. These political parties which are now talking about the constitutional change had raised their hand to approve the 18th Amendment.

The present executive presidential system is not bad if the Independent Commissions had been established earlier under the 17th Amendment to the Constitution. If this had been done properly we would not have faced the present crisis. On the other hand there is no point in drafting various types of constitutional amendments if the head of the country does not uphold the country’s Constitution. According to my view democracy cannot be expected from every leader.

It depends on the person who is ruling the country. Take an example from former President D.B.Wijetunge. There were no independent commissions, such as Police Commission, Election Commission during his term of office. But CBK came to power by defeating RW. He was the prime minister of the UNP government at that time. Saying goes that “kele maru kalata kotiyage polli wenas wenne nehe” Needless to say that MR does not change his usual tactics and governing methods even if the 19th Amendment was passed. It is important to have a leader who respects the country’s Constitution.

W.G.Chandrapala