Constitutional changes a must for the good of nation: Vajira

• Says the preferential vote system should be scrapped in order to avoid ethnic and religious polarization

By Yohan Perera   

Confirming reports that the government is planning to go for constitutional amendments, a government MP yesterday said such amendments are needed today for the sake of the nation.   

Government MP Vajira Abeywardena came up with this remark at a media briefing held at the Presidential media unit office yesterday.   “The present constitution was introduced in 1978.  

The Executive Presidency was introduced through the same constitution. The Executive Presidency had helped the nation immensely in the past. The war against terrorism was won because of the Executive Presidency. It also helped bring stability during the Aragalaya (uprising). One party which commands only one seat in Parliament was able to get elected as President because of the present constitution. 

However there are amendments to be made. Accordingly, the preferential vote (Manapa) system should be scrapped in order to avoid ethnic and religious polarization. All in all, the constitution should be amended to be in line with the present needs of the country. This is what I can tell you with regard to the Executive Presidency and the constitution as a whole” the MP said in response to a question raised by journalists as to whether the scrapping of the Executive Presidency is on the cards.