Bhikku front resolves to bring constitutional change

A resolution was adopted by the United Bhikku Front yesterday that seeks to draft constitutional changes through an expert body to ensure good governance, Rule of Law and the creation of a just and fair society.

The main thrust of the constitutional reform must be the abolishment of the executive presidency, the speakers at the meeting said. General Secretary of the United Bhikku Front and Chief Priest of the Kotte Naga Viharaya Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero said that people who sought justice and fair play must agitate for the reinstatement of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution which made provision for the de-politicisation of the system.

“If the 17th Amendment is brought back and implemented, the President can have as many terms in office as he likes, because the safeguards are there,” Sobitha Thero said. He said that even Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa had reinforced the position that the Constitution had to be changed immediately. “The creation of a just and free society demands the abolishing of the executive presidency and constitutional changes,” the Thero said, adding that during the tenure of President Chandrika Kumaratunga, she claimed she wanted to abolish the presidency, but did not possess the two thirds in the Parliament to do it.

“This President does not have that problem,” the Thero said, reminding the monks present that it was President Mahinda Rajapaksa himself who had promised in the Mahinda Chinthana to do away with the all powerful presidency. He added that all the coalition partners in the Government had agitated for the abolishment of the executive presidency but were silent about it today.  “The SLFP doesn’t want it, the Communist Party doesn’t want it, the LSSP doesn’t want it. In the Opposition, the JVP says it doesn’t want it and even the UNP that created the presidency wants to get rid of it – so it begs the question – who truly wants to keep the system on?” Sobitha Thero questioned. In an appeal to the President, the Thero said that in 1978, when J.R. Jayewardene drafted the new constitution, Mahinda Rajapaksa took to the streets to agitate against it. “Now the matter rests in your hands, Mr. President. Change the Constitution, abolish the presidency,” he said.

Also speaking at the meeting senior constitutional lawyer and activist J.C. Weliamuna said that in the history of the Sasana, it has always been the custom for the Sanga to come forward and play a role in times of great tragedy and disaster. “Today’s greatest challenge is what we face today, with regard to an all powerful presidency that is not accountable to Parliament or the people,” Weliamuna said. He added that it was a serious misconception that only countries with presidential systems had stable governments. “Look at our neighbour – India is a parliamentary democracy, but its government is not unstable. We make the argument that a presidency is necessary in times of war, but Britain, with its parliamentary system fought the Second World War,” he said, illustrating examples of countries around the world that maintained strong governments and strong democracies despite not having a presidential system. The senior lawyer said that it was only the Sanga that could take the message to the people about the grave situation facing the country today and need to protect democracy and rule of law institutions under an all powerful presidential system.  The meeting was held at the National Library and Documentation Services Board auditorium and was attended by senior monks. (DB)