President for amending Executive Presidency

Rasika Somarathna

KOTTE: President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday emphasised the need to bring amendments to the existing executive Presidential system.

President Rajapaksa vowed to enact such changes in the near future to suit the changing times and the needs of the country while strengthening the democratic system.

The President was speaking after unveiling the portrait of former President J.R. Jayewardene at the Parliament complex yesterday.

The President described Jayewardene, the first executive President of Sri Lanka, as a versatile and efficient leader of post-independence Sri Lanka.

“History has produced many leaders, but we have to critically evaluate their roles with regard to their decisions in changing the course of the history of this country.”

“We know he was a pioneering leader who brought about a new economic and social revolution.

The changes brought about in the political arena by Jayewardene still dominate us. The challenge before us, today is to direct those changes to suit the times and place,” the President said.

President Rajapaksa who described the late leader as a person who acted with much restraint, emphasised the need to cultivate the tenacity and forbearance he possessed.

“Whatever differences of opinion, we consider the late JRJ as a true gentleman who never resorted to personal mudslinging.” Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said it was a fitting tribute to Jayewardene, who built the new Parliamentary complex, adding that they were still inspired by his imposing personality.

The Opposition leader while recalling that it was Jayewardene who introduced him to politics, said the late President was a pioneering leader of the region in creating a free and independent society.

Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara in his welcome address observed that the late President created his own political identity and style, and should be the subject of special attention of present day politicians. Government and Opposition Parliamentarians, relatives of the late President and well wishers were present.