Constitutional changes to reflect people’s wishes

Rasika Somarathna in Hakmana

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday emphasized that changes to the Constitution would be drafted taking into consideration the wishes of the public of Sri Lanka and not individual interest.

He said that top priority would be given to development and the country’s security in line with the people’s needs when enacting changes to the Constitution.

Addressing a public gathering in the Hakmana town following the initiation of several development projects in the area the President stressed that constitutional changes would not be done according to the whims and fancies of individuals or certain organizations.

He said that the people had given him and the Government a near two thirds mandate with a lot of expectations and confidence and stressed that all politicians and officials should stand committed to propagate the people’s wishes.

The President on the occasion also said that during his Parliamentary days he had a better dialogue with his political colleagues regarding what is taking place in the country, hinting that he might prefer entering Parliament as an Executive Prime Minister or a President who can sit in Parliament as widely speculated. The President said that he had cordial discussions with Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on Constitutional amendments and indicated to him the Government’s intentions.

Commenting on politicians changing parties, President Rajapaksa said that he had no problem with politicians switching sides in accordance with their conscience.

He pointed out that the SLFP was born when the late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike left the UNP to form the SLFP with the assistance of other prominent political figures of the era such as the late D.A. Rajapaksa. The President noted that the party which had such a humble beginning was the strongest political party in the country today.

The President on the occasion also paid a glowing tribute to both the late S.W.R.D. Bandaraniake and late Premier Sirimavo Bandaranaike for their contribution to the party’s progress.

The President also told politicians that it was their duty to reach out to the people.

Since vanquishing terrorism the Government has a greater responsibility to build on that victory by developing the country and ensuring that its benefits would reach the people, he added.

He stressed that the Government had already put in place the foundations of a mechanism to develop all areas equally and added that it was time for all to join hands to build on this foundation.

He pointed out that the Per Capita GDP which was hovering below US $ 1,000 since independence had gone up to over US $ 2,000 during the last five years, and the intention was to up it further to reach US $ 4,000 in the near future.

He also stressed that it was time for all politicians and public servants to shed petty differences and join hands to work together as a team to propel the country towards prosperity.

During the day the President vested with the people several newly built facilities in the Hakmana area including a new three storeyed building complex at Henry Ariyaratne MV, Narawepitiya North, Hakmana built with funds given by prominent businessman L.H. Piyasena, a newly building complex for Hakmana Pradeshiya Sabha and also laid a foundation to build a new town hall complex at Hakmana.