Constitutional reforms should only be carried out aiming to fulfill the needs of the country, and not fulfill the requirements of certain persons, Parliamentary Reforms and Media Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka said.
He said so while addressing a media workshop on Constitutional reforms at Visumpaya yesterday.
“The good governance government was clearly mandated by a majority of people to carrying out Constitutional reforms and curtailing the powers of the Executive Presidency.
Moves have already been taken to reduce the powers of the Executive Presidency and the process of formatting a new Constitution.
“The Constitution should represent the country and cater to the people’s needs,” he said. Unlike on earlier occasions, when a Constitution was drafted, the participation of civil society organizations, individuals are highly appreciated and accepted when formatting the new Constitution,” he noted.
“It is highly appreciated that people of the country express a keen interest in the process making the new constitution” the minister said.
Minister Karunathilaka added that the attention will be drawn on formatting a suitable electoral system to the country. Deputy Media Minister Karunarathne Paranawitana said that the third Constitution, which is being prepared should be more effective and efficient. But, the people must to have a clear vision in this regard.
“Here, the media is duty bound to make people aware in this regard. The media can help the people gain ‘Constitutional literacy’. It is doubtful whether people have Constitutional literacy though the literacy of people is high” he said.
He added that after liberating the country from the clutches of terrorism, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government had an invaluable opportunity to go for Constitutional reforms. But unfortunately, that government did not utilize that valuable opportunity. As a result of that failure, people of the country came forward to topple that government aiming have this good governance government, in which all people friendly, fruitful measures are to be carried out.
He added that there is close and clear link between war and constitution.
“When one looks at it from a global context, it can be observed that Constitutional reforms are carried out right after the conclusion of a war. Inspire of making a new Constitution after liberating the country, Rajapkasa’s government further strengthened the Executive Powers,” he noted.
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