President to participate in rallies from next week

Dulshani GUNAWARDENA

A series of rallies led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa will take place islandwide from next week. Two rallies each will be held with the President’s participation in Colombo and Kurunegala, with one rally in all other districts.

Addressing the media yesterday, Minister Maithreepala Sirisena noted that a strong Parliament is essential to complement the powers of the Executive Presidency to bring around much needed changes to make Sri Lanka ‘The Miracle of Asia’ with major emphasis placed on socio, economic and legal reforms.

A two thirds majority of Parliament is required to change the Constitution of 1978. The key change being that of the change of the electoral system, the current proportional representative system not being sensitive of the choice of the people.

Strengthening the powers of the elective council and independent commissions, changes in the system of public administration are other important goals. Minister Sirisena also hinted that changes of the Executive was also possible, with the previous presidential election being the last in history.

Minister Sirisena noted that the vote for the April 8 parliamentary election was not just a vote, but a vote for the President-a backing to his leadership.

He said the April 8 election was a one-man’s race in the backdrop of a shambled and bankrupt Opposition, who were in a petty battle among themselves to get as much preferential votes as possible.

Minister Sirisena emphasised that there has been a significant change in the attitude of the North- East people who have gathered around the UPFA with enthusiasm not seen in the Presidential Election.