Wednesday, 24 July 2013 00:00
-
- {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe created waves when he insisted during last week’s Forum with Eran that the Executive Presidential system “had to go” and pledged to work towards its repeal either through a constitutional amendment under the present administration or by making the issue central to the platform forged by the common Opposition at a future national election.
Wickremesinghe, who has been seen as largely reticent on the issue of abolishing the presidency, because he harboured ambitions to wield the power of that office, according to his critics, told the audience last Wednesday that the system had to be done away with as soon as possible. “We cannot delay the issue any further,” he reiterated.
Replying to a question on how to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual that was leading to tyranny, Wickremesinghe said that if the system could not be abolished in the present Parliament, the party would look to do so through an election process. A draft bill for the abolition is already available, he said, adding that Parliament only had to enact it.
“We will agitate for this constitutional reform, but if they refuse, we will push for an early election – probably in 2014 and campaign on a platform for abolishment of the presidential system,” Wickremesinghe pledged.
It was not possible to risk the office falling into the hands of yet another person, he said.
“I know this Constitution and I know the powers you can wield under this presidency. Believe me when I say no one who has it will want to give it up. Ask an ordinary MP whether he is willing to give up that office. And then imagine what it is like to hold presidential office. The sooner you change this system, the better,” Wickremesinghe emphasised.
