Archives

Milestone in Lankan politics

The passing into law by a two thirds majority of the 17th amendment to the Constitution is bound to keep alive in many a Sri Lankan heart the profound hope that peaceful and positive change is still possible in this conflict-hit country. The heart-cry of many a citizen is that the major political parties should put their minds together in a sustained effort to resolve the major problems facing the country. The passing of the 17th amendment is solid proof that the PA and the UNP could work unitedly and purposefully for the greater good of Sri Lanka.

The passing of this Bill which was a bone of contention for a long time between the major political forces is indeed a historic moment in the troubled political history of Sri Lanka. Agreement between the SLFP and coalitions led by it and the UNP on contentious issues has been so rare and hard to come by that the relatively trouble-free adoption by Parliament of the 17th amendment should be considered an occasion for widespread rejoicing. We take this opportunity to congratulate the PA, JVP and the UNP on a job well done in the wider public interest.

There was, of course, many an anxious moment before the crucial amendment was ratified by Parliament. Gaps in understanding and need among the political parties had to be narrowed and many a misconception and misunderstanding cleared before the amendment was made to meet with a rare and resounding 'yes' vote. Nevertheless, we now have proof that the desire to put the national interest above narrow, party and sectional interests could indeed yield rich dividends. For, what is really at issue is peace, unity and political stability. That the principal parties could bury some of their major differences in the greater good of the country proves beyond doubt that the hope of changing our political culture for the better is no idle dream. It is our hope that this incipient trend towards consensual decision-making among the political parties would continue, for, on it would depend the future stability and prosperity of the country.

These developments compel us to reflect on some of the possible and positive far-reaching consequences of the 17th amendment. Depoliticization of society is one of our most profound needs. A positive fallout from the recent political tensions is that depoliticization of Lankan society and its pivotal institutions has been pushed to the top of the national political agenda. Now that provision has been made for the setting of independent commissions to oversee the public service, police, judiciary and elections by an autonomous and widely representative Constitutional Council, high hopes of depoliticizing Sri Lanka could be entertained. For, now, political interference in the running of crucial public institutions could be minimised resulting in more social justice and fairness. A sense that one is being fairly treated, we must admit, is crucial to the well being and stability of society.

It is our hope that ideals on paper would soon be translated into reality. For, the dispensing of justice should be made an operational reality if the promise in the 17th amendment is to be fully realised.

The proposed Constitutional Council, we realise, must be as widely representative as possible if it is to attain the stature of a truly national institution. We suggest that the major political parties continue to speak to their detractors with the aim of making the proposed autonomous bodies national institutions which respond to the needs of all sections of society.

• Editorial of  The Observer - 25.9.2001:
  Commensurate military response 

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager