Archives

No alternative to consultations

Some important points of view - including those of the Government and the Opposition - have been aired on the President's effort to take over the Development Lotteries Board. As could be seen, this issue is proving to be a highly complex one with subtle constitutional implications.

However, barring the views put forward by the Opposition, the emerging consensus on the issue seems to be that it should be resolved amicably, through mutual consultations.

Indeed, this is the most sensible approach to resolving the problem. The advocacy of confrontation on this question could only eventually lead to anarchy and strife - outcomes which would be in no one's interest. The Government couldn't be expected to relapse into a state of passivity on this issue because it has to live up to the popular mandate which was granted to it when it took over the reins of office and attendant responsibilities.

The responsibilities vested in the Government by the people cannot suffer any dilution without a process of consultation taking place between the President and the Prime Minister on the advisability of such decisions, as sanctioned by the constitution. In view of the fact that the President and the Prime Minister are from different political parties or groupings, both enjoying popular mandates and carrying out the will of the people, such consultations could be said to be essential for sound governance. A disregarding of this arrangement could be interpreted as a violation of the sovereign will of the people.

We. therefore, call for the prevalence of wise counsel. No less a person than Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has pointed out the advisability of the President consulting him and finding an amicable solution to this issue. We do not see any other path out of this seeming impasse. As the opinions highlighted by us thus far amply disclose, this is the preferred path of the public. We call on the parties to the dispute to thus seek a negotiated solution to the issue.

It is incumbent on those holding political office to be guided by the national interest. This is the predominant standard to which their actions need to conform. A violation of this standard would lead to governmental instability and internal strife. This would amount to a betrayal of the people's trust.

It is indeed saddening to note that short-term political gain has assumed the proportions of an obsession among some politicians. Rocking the cohabitation arrangement seems to be their preferred course of action at a time when exacting challenges are beginning to confront the country. Getting the peace process going is predominant among these. However, an anxiety to pursue short - term political gain could plunge the country into the depths of uncertainty and despair. May peace and reconciliation prevail.

www.crescat.com

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