Make the new Constitution a Document solely by the People and for the People – By Bernard Fernando. At the outset, it should be stated that the silent majority of the sovereign voters across the country were able to elect the new President and his team as the only political party fully committed to creating a new political, public and media culture in our homeland through a series of crucial ‘System Changes’ via a new Constitution. Towards that end, they have exceptionally succeeded in the elusive National reconciliation effort by building pillars of ‘Sri Lankan ness’ in the four corners in the North, South, East and West of the Country. They have already set examples of ‘System change’ by nominating Political Professionals and more Women to the Parliament. Also, we raise our hats for ‘Charity begins at home’ measures to curtail expenditure by reducing privileges to MPs such as duty ...

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To re-democratize SL, abolish Executive Presidency: A response – By Bernard Fernando   As a labelled sovereign voter and a stake holder in the Country’s Governance and Electoral system /process, the writer was enlivened by a clarion call in the Press by a group of Lawyers, Academics and civil rights activists to abolish the Executive Presidency. To my knowledge, this was a specific demand by one Political Party as far back as in 1994 to support a major Party which was heading towards victory in the General Election of 1994. This popular promise was quickly picked up by all Political parties in the fray as their main ‘Election carrot’ offered to the populace. Alas ! it still remains in the back burner for the last 30 years signifying the ‘truthfulness’ of our traditionally cunning and power – greedy politicians! The latent public detest towards Executive Presidency exploded with the slogan ...

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