NMSJ applauds Govt. plans to abolish Executive Presidency

Tuesday, 31 December 2024 01:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Urges all political parties and civil society to support effort, highlighting need for collective action
Says abolishing Executive Presidency is a monumental opportunity to rectify governance failures
Praises NPP for consistent commitment to abolishing Executive Presidency
Calls on NPP Govt. to establish specific timeline for enacting constitutional reforms

The National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) has issued a press release appreciating recent reports of the Government’s intention to abolish the Executive Presidency.

The organisation has called on all political parties and civil society groups to unite in support of this transformative effort, which it believes will pave the way for a stronger democracy in Sri Lanka.

Signed by NMSJ General Secretary Sunil Jayasekara, the press release expressed the movement’s optimism over the Government’s plans to introduce a constitutional amendment following the upcoming local Government Elections. The NMSJ not only offers its blessings but also pledged its full support to this endeavour.

The statement highlighted the historical significance of such a reform, noting that if President Anura Kumara Dissanayake leads the charge to abolish the Executive Presidency, his legacy will be etched in golden letters as a Statesman who shaped Sri Lanka’s future.

The press release emphasised the importance of collaboration, urging all political parties and civil society groups to actively participate in drafting a new Constitution. It recalled past failures, such as the inability to pass constitutional reforms during the Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge administration in 2000 due to partisan opposition, and underscores the need for collective effort to avoid similar setbacks.

The movement also praised the National People’s Power (NPP) for standing firm in its commitment to abolishing the Executive Presidency, aligning with its historical support for constitutional reform under the leadership of the late Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera.

The NMSJ stressed that the current Government, with its Parliamentary majority, holds a unique opportunity to rectify decades of governance failures attributed to the Executive Presidency system. It called on the Government to present a clear timeline for enacting these reforms.

The NMSJ also reiterated that abolishing the Executive Presidency would mark a monumental step forward for Sri Lanka, cementing President Dissanayake’s role in history and fulfilling the aspirations of the nation.