‘Opportunity to adopt new constitution’

Katugastota group corr.

The new UPFA government which has obtained a near two thirds majority in Parliament should now make use of this opportunity to adopt a new Constitution more conducive to the country, said Ven. Professor Hangurenketha Dheerananda Nayake Thera of the Peradeniya University’s Department of History.

Ven. Dheerananda Thera said so, addressing a meeting held in Kandy Thursday to celebrate the UPFA victory at the general election.

He said the preferential votes system of the present Constitution has led to a state of seige among candidates of the same party clamouring for the manape. The first past the post system of the previous Constitution it was possible for the people to elect their representatives responsible for the respective electorates.

Ven. Marathugoda Uparatana Thera said the present electoral system was an utter waste of money since candidates had to spend a huge sum on banners, posters and cut outs. This money could be saved for better use in catering to the welfare of the people. Kandy’s Acting Mayor Suminda Wickremasinghe and several others also spoke.