Proposed Constitutional reforms: Asgiri Nayake Thera bestows blessings

*Constitution should not bar popular mandate

*Opposition should also support reforms

A leader loved by the people and sincerely committed to the welfare of the country should have the opportunity to rule the country without any legal constraints as long as the people desire so, said Asgiri Mahanayake Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Thera when he met External Affairs Minister Prof G L Pieris.

The Minister was on a mission to brief the Mahanayake Theras on the proposed Constitutional reforms.

“The country must have a stable ruler with necessary powers. There should be no term limits for a leader who loves the people and contributes to the country’s development. If the people demand his leadership without rejecting him, it is wrong to impose constraints on his rule,” the Mahanayake Thera said. He also said that the proposed reforms are being brought not for the President’s personal gain but for the benefit of the country. As such other groups also should support his endeavour, the Nayake Thera added.

“Through the amendment there won’t be any extension of the duration of the Presidency because the people would be free to elect anyone of their choice. If someone else gets elected he also could stay in office as long as the people wish.”

The Maha Nayake Thera also called on the Opposition to support the reforms as they are beneficial.

There is a huge development drive in the country and it should not be interrupted, he said.

“That is why our blessing are for the reforms,” the Nayake Thera said.

External Affairs Minister Prof Peiris also met Malwathu Mahanayake Most Ven Tibbotuwawe Sri Sidhartha Sumangala Thera. He handed over a document containing a summary of the proposed reforms to both Mahanayake Theras.

He explained how investments have started to flow in and a great development has taken place in the country since the end of terrorism.

For uninterrupted progress of economic development a stable leadership is required, he said. In his opinion the proposed reforms extend the scope of universal suffrage and reinforce democracy.

It is the people who will decide whether the incumbent President wins or loses, he said.

The Minister further said, “in the present circumstances the President as Commander in Chief has the power to give necessary directives with regard the Constitution with respect to the Armed Forces.

However with respect to police, this power has been devolved through the independent commissions.

The proposed reforms intend to confer undevolved power to the President with respect to the police too.”

source: dailynews 9 6