Thursday May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
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President Ranil Wickremesinghe
President Ranil Wickreme-singhe yesterday assured Parliament he would not engage in actions that threaten the country›s sovereignty or unity and called on MPs to support reconciliation and development putting people’s interest first.
He also stressed that external entities or foreign countries cannot resolve challenges on Sri Lanka’s behalf but a united nation must independently address issues and steer the country towards rapid economic and social progress.
The President made a wide range of observations and listed Sri Lanka’s challenges and measures to overcome those during a special statement in the Parliament. Wickremesinghe presented his suggestions and forthcoming actions concerning the 13th amendment to the Constitution and the explanation of powers.
In a significant move towards fostering national reconciliation, the President urged constructive engagement for national reconciliation and development, emphasising that a robust relationship with neighbouring countries, particularly India, can contribute to mutually beneficial cooperation while safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of Sri Lanka.
The President made this declaration yesterday during a special statement in the Parliament, wherein he presented his suggestions and forthcoming actions concerning the 13th amendment to the Constitution and the explanation of powers.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by an unprecedented economic crisis and the need for robust relationships with neighbouring nations, the President underscored the significance of engaging with India to ensure mutually beneficial cooperation.
The President addressed concerns raised by some Members of the Parliament regarding the Government’s alleged “selling out” of the country. Clarifying that no initiatives detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of Sri Lanka would be pursued, the President urged for a more nuanced understanding of the country’s situation and emphasised the pivotal role of national interests in driving development.
“We find ourselves navigating the challenging process of rebuilding a collapsed economy. This is a crucial juncture where we must strive for swift economic growth,” the President stated.
However, the President highlighted that achieving rapid development within the existing provincial council system appeared unlikely.
President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the challenges in reaching a consensus, particularly with sensitive matters like police powers during the devolution of authority to Provincial Councils under the 13th Amendment. He underscored the importance of unity in executing these initiatives.
“It’s time to change this situation. We should shift away from the convention of viewing the opposition’s role solely as criticising the government’s actions. Let’s also abstain from making decisions without considering opposing viewpoints. We must act with assurance and accountability. Our country’s progress hinges on collective advancement along a new path. Let’s work towards establishing this new approach. I want to reiterate a point I consistently emphasise: instead of dwelling on the past, let’s focus on the future. With genuine intentions, let’s unite and make joint decisions that consider the nation’s future,” he added.
President Wickremesinghe also said it was imperative to explore cases from different nations where national policies have effectively decentralised power. “By learning from these experiences, we can identify a suitable system for our own country,” he said.
The financial aspect of the provincial council system was also brought into focus, with the President questioning whether the substantial annual expenditure of around Rs. 550 billion is justified by the benefits provided to the populace. President Wickremesinghe highlighted the need for a clear division of power and authority between provincial councils, the central government, and local governing bodies to avoid duplication of efforts and delayed actions.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by provincial councils, the President emphasised their significant impact on Sri Lanka’s political landscape. Provincial councils have served as platforms for nurturing skilled political leaders who have ascended to executive and parliamentary roles over the years.
President Wickremesinghe also revealed the potential for amending the Provincial Council Voting Act, following the revision of relevant laws and the introduction of new legislation. This amendment encompasses the adoption of the District Proportional System for voting, the provision for Members of Parliament to participate in Provincial Council contests, and a stipulated minimum of 25% female representation.
He also noted that after thorough discussions and consensus-building on the augmentation of female representation, concrete steps will be taken to facilitate forthcoming provincial council elections.
While acknowledging the limitations of fully transitioning to direct democracy, President Wickremesinghe noted the feasibility of constructing an institutional framework that empowers citizens to participate in political, economic, and social processes. The provincial council system, according to the President, serves as a prime example of such a framework, enabling citizens to have a voice in decision-making processes.
The President highlighted recent initiatives undertaken to empower the populace, including the bolstering of sectoral committees, fostering youth involvement, and establishing public assemblies to engage citizens in grassroots governance. The newly launched Janasabha Secretariat aims to further enhance citizen participation, with plans to establish model assemblies and advance the Assembly Act.
He underscored the need to focus on methods and strategies that empower citizens through provincial councils, transforming these councils into institutions that safeguard national unity. The President referred to various committees and reports that have examined the trajectory of provincial councils, highlighting the importance of these institutions in Sri Lanka›s governance system.
“One notable document referenced is the interim report released in 2017 by the Steering Committee of the Constitutional Council, endorsed by all parties represented within the Parliament,” he said. The President proposed several constitutional amendments based on this report’s recommendations, emphasising the need for participatory processes and ensuring that decentralized powers remain under the jurisdiction of provincial councils.
The President also expressed the intention to introduce bills in the Parliament and implement a series of measures to further empower provincial councils. These measures include granting authority to provincial councils for education-related services, establishing provincial boards for vocational and technical training, and empowering provincial councils to establish universities.
Furthermore, the President proposed amendments to the Industries Act to increase limits for industries of national importance, as well as the creation of District Development Councils in alignment with the 13th Constitutional Amendment.
The President›s proposals also addressed the sensitive issue of police powers under the 13th Amendment, suggesting a step-by-step approach and emphasising the importance of reaching a consensus on other powers before delving into more complex matters.
Reaffirming the government›s commitment to pursuing sustainable national reconciliation in Sri Lanka, he highlighted the importance of addressing issues faced by the Tamil population in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The President outlined a series of initiatives aimed at fostering unity, justice, and socioeconomic progress for all citizens.
The President›s message underscores the vital role that reconciliation plays in Sri Lanka›s overall development. A pivotal step towards this objective was a recent meeting between the President and Tamil Parliamentarians representing the Northern and Eastern provinces. The outcome of this discussion forms the basis for the proposed trajectory that the government seeks to embark upon.
Several key initiatives are highlighted in the President›s address, each reflecting the commitment to address pressing issues and ensure equitable development:
Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Corruption Bills:
The President discussed the ongoing efforts to amend the Anti-Terrorism Bill, which will be presented to the Cabinet for approval, and the successful passage of the Anti-Corruption Bill with amendments proposed by the Supreme Court.
Truth Seeking Mechanism:
An Interim Secretariat has been established for the Truth Seeking Mechanism, with divisions focusing on Legal and Policy, Public Relations, and Information Technology. Civil society and UN agency consultations are ongoing to prepare for the formal mechanisms.
Office for the National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) Bill:
The ONUR draft law has been submitted for certification of constitutionality and the National Action Plan on Reconciliation is set to be presented to the Cabinet.
Office for Reparations and Office of Missing Persons (OMP):
Progress continues on monetary relief for missing persons, with 203 cases granted relief as of July 2023. The OMP has completed investigations into 3,462 cases out of 21,374 received. The issuance of the Certificate of Absence (COA) is being expedited.
Presidential Pardon for LTTE Activities:
Presidential approval has been granted to remit sentences and release 11 prisoners involved in LTTE activities.
National Land Commission:
Steps are being taken to expedite the establishment of the National Land Commission (NLC) and formulate a National Land Policy. The NLC›s composition will include provincial representatives and government officials.
Land Resettlement and Archaeology:
Efforts are focused on resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs), releasing land held by the Armed Forces, and developing a National Plan for Archaeology.
Development Plans for North and East:
Plans encompass renewable energy projects, water supply, transportation, industrial zones, tourism, and agricultural development in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
The President urged for a united effort in tackling this challenge, noting that Sri Lanka must find solutions within its own capabilities and strive for independent problem-solving.
The President underscored a series of systemic reforms introduced over the past year, focusing on transparency, accountability, responsibility, and good governance. “These reforms included a reduction in presidential powers through the 21st constitutional amendment, the ratification of the Election Expenses Control Act, the implementation of an anti-corruption bill aligned with international standards, and the presentation and passage of the Central Bank Independence Act,” he added.
Turning attention to the youth movements and widespread demand for systemic change, the President highlighted the need for transformation within the provincial council system. The President proposed a substantial shift towards an efficient, transparent, and corruption-free provincial council framework that would inspire public trust and effectively address citizens› concerns. Additionally, the potential of provincial councils to foster greater unity and national cohesion was emphasised.
Concluding the address, the President called upon the esteemed members of the Parliament to carefully consider the proposed strategies and engage in meaningful deliberations. The President urged the Parliament to collectively chart the course forward, affirming that its comprehensive knowledge and unified efforts would pave the way for the betterment of Sri Lanka.
