JHU insists elections should be held under new system

JHU General Secretary and Power and Energy Minister Champika Ranawaka yesterday said that the forthcoming general election should not be held under the current Proportional Representation (PR) System.

The minister explained at a media conference yesterday that President Sirisena had pledged to introduce electoral reforms within the 100-day program of the Government.  

“The demand to postpone the electoral reforms and conduct the forthcoming parliamentary polls under the existing PR system is being made for political advantages. It is mainly the minority and smaller parties that are behind this demand. However, we must think nationally and not individually. Even the JHU may be at a disadvantage when new electoral reforms are introduced. But as politicians who love the country and the people, we must put aside personal interests and support the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and pull the country from the wretched clutches of corrupt politicians and this corrupt electoral system. Therefore I believe that the 20th Amendment will be passed in Parliament with the support of all political parties. This would act as an indicator to test the honesty and integrity of all politicians and their political parties,” Ranawaka added.