Electoral system should be changed

To rectify political culture:

The deterioration of the political culture in the country is due to the existing electoral system under the present constitution and the electoral system should be amended to rectify this situation, Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Minister Maitripala Sirisena said on Monday.

Minister Maitripala Sirisena made these remarks participating at the Sumedha Abhinandana felicitation ceremony held at Moneragala Mahanama Vidyalaya to mark the completion of 20 years of political life of Children and Women Empowerment Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena.

Minister Maitripala Sirisena said the current preferential vote system devalues the vision and policies of the political parties since the cutouts, banners, posters used in election campaigns do not represent the policies and vision of the party.

The current electoral system will boost, popularise and strengthen the image of the candidates destroying the commonness and unity of a political party creating political problems, the Minister said.

He said politicians should be mindful about their duties and responsibilities whatever the system is in existence.

Under the prevailing environment, the rulers of the country govern it under the principles of Dasa Raja Dharma.

He said as the SLFP General Secretary he respects the people of the country for understanding the best way of ruling in accordance with the situation prevalent and to take this country forward as a proud nation. Sri Lanka has been able to stand as a proud nation in the world with heritage, civilization and economic background, due to the firm leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, he added.

It is vital for the politicians to act responsibly understanding the suitable and the unsuitable things and the optimistic and pessimistic things after studying carefully, he said.

Politicians should be mindful to protect their image, whether they are in power or not, he added.