Gam Sabhas  to be revived

Priyanka Kurugala

The defunct Grama Rajya or Gam Sabha system will be re-established, Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said .
The minister said the system gives a fair opportunity for aspirants to political office.

He was of the view that the Gam Sabha system will enable popular candidates win elections, irrespective of their financial status.

Minister de Silva was addressing a ceremony organised to celebrate the opening of a new building to house the Mahiyanganaya, Rideemaliyedda Pradesiya Sabha. The new buildinbg has been built at Rs 5.8 million. He said the introduction of the old Gam Sabha system will be a boost to the Divi Neguma Programme. “Former President J R Jayewardene did away with the old Gam Sabha system.

He introduced the Preferential Voting System. However, leaders as well as Gam Sabha members were able to provide a good leadership to villagers, identifying all necessities of a village,” he said.

“Peace in the village was lost due to the Preferential Voting System. The country has had a long debate on the merits of the Preferential Voting System. Finally, with the blessings of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the county was able to convert into a Gam Saba System again,” he said. “Some leaders work only when an election is around the corner. Under the new system, only individuals who prefer to work for the public and have good records, and is of good character will be given priority,’ he said.

“Even though the Rideemaliyedda Divisional Secretariat is the poorest in the country, plans have been drawn up to make it the leading Divisional Secretariat in the country, in five years,” he said.