P’ment powers to accelerate development: PM

• Says time has come to find lasting political solution to ethnic issues

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday outlined his intention to use parliamentary supremacy to accelerate Sri Lanka’s development before the 80th anniversary celebrations of parliamentary democracy in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister proposed the following to the House at its meeting held yesterday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of its first meeting. 

“As an independent Parliament and notes that the Parliament of Sri Lanka is the oldest Parliament elected by universal adult franchise in the Asia region with an unbroken record of democratic governance and wishes for itself and the people of Sri Lanka  prosperity, development and further strengthening of democratic traditions, principles and rule of law.”

According to Wickremesinghe, seven decades have passed and Sri Lanka has failed to reach the goal due to many reasons. 

“The war prevented us from gaining the intended benefits of the open economy. Adding more to it were some shortcomings in the parliamentary system that contributed to prevent us from fulfilling the expectations. The time has come to find a lasting political solution to the racial issues and come together as a country. The President is totally committed towards achieving this goal.” 

The Prime Minister also noted that despite obstacles, expediting development was the need of the hour. “We need to bring about a robust economy and our Government is committed to this effort. While celebrating 70 years of parliamentary democracy, we are planning on how to develop the country by the 80th anniversary. Unemployment of youth is a concern which we will have to address,” he said, expressing the commitment of the Government to guide the country on a path of speedy development and find a political solution to ethnic issues.

“Today we are celebrating not just the 70th anniversary, but 70 years of democracy. Due to the responsibilities taken on by this council, the people’s voice against the curtailing of their rights was heard and democracy has been safeguarded. We have been trained in parliamentary traditions and have learnt to act as a council that is answerable to the people. During the past 70 years, we were able to pass two republic constitutions. In 2015 we approved the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. We should be thankful for the measures taken by President Maithripala Sirisena,” added Wickremesinghe.

According to the Prime Minister, the establishment of independent commissions is an additional step taken to further strengthen Parliament. 

“Even though we hope to bring prosperity, issues among Sri Lankans, especially the racial concerns that have lasted for over 60 years, are disappointing. We will definitely find an acceptable solution for these issues, which will not hinder the development of Sri Lanka,” assured the Prime Minister, who also commended the members of the first Parliament for their contributions to safeguard democracy. (AH)