Abolishing Executive Presidency; history repeats itself

OVER the last three decades in Sri Lanka, at almost every presidential election, the voters have been entertained by the pledge to abolish Executive Presidency by the prominent candidates in the fray only to go back on the promise once gaining power.

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Judging by the recent statements and insinuations of the prominent NPP political leaders, it appears that voters experienced the same scenario again exactly a year ago by a political force who vociferously pledged to the electorate that they were different from the rest.

Last month, Cabinet Spokesperson and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa at a Cabinet press briefing stated the Government was not prepared to move on abolishing the Executive Presidency at this particular stage as the administration has to focus on reviving the economy and laying the groundwork for equitable growth. Meanwhile, NPP National List MP Dr. Najith Indika had remarked that in the future all executive presidents in Sri Lanka would be elected from the NPP.