• Council will take place at 2 p.m. on Mondays at Opposition Leader’s office
• Anyone can submit progressive proposals
• Opposition will present proposals to Parliament 

By Maneshka Borham

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says a ‘National People’s Council’ will be established for the purpose of taking the proposals put forward by the people to the Parliament and making an optimal

effort to mediate on their behalf.

“The reason for public pressure is that there is no way to implement a systematic program to implement participatory democracy.” Premadasa said adding that there should be a correct exchange of ideas between the people and the leaders of the country.  “This can ensure the leaders are guided down a correct path,” he said. The Opposition Leader said that progressive proposals received by the national council will be submitted to Parliament.

The Opposition Leader said that participatory governance should be implemented at all times rather than leaders going among the people only during elections every five years. “This is what the people engaged in the citizen’s struggle are also asking for,” he added. 

Premadasa said the ‘National People’s Council’ will be formed by bringing together all the mass societies, trade unions and civil organisations. Tissa Attanayake has been appointed as the convener of the council and Mujiber Rahman has been appointed as the secretary. The council will meet every Monday at 2 p.m. 

The leader of the Opposition said that the council will set an example for the existing Government and that it should become a legal program. “The proposals people submit will be supported as an Opposition and it will be implemented through Parliament,” he said.  “Any member of the public can submit proposals,” he said. Premadasa said that the Council will come up with proposals regarding the future program of building the country and alleviating current difficulties faced by the people.

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