I would not let any force or person to demolish the progressive steps taken to fulfill those tasks, said President at a meeting with the leaders of civil society organizations and activists who supported him at the Presidential Election 2015. The meeting was held at Presidential Secretariat on June 04.
The President recalled the effort he made together with Prime Minister to pass the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in Parliament. There was no unanimity for the proposed Amendment to the Constitution even when it was presented to the Parliament, but we succeeded in getting it passed, he said.
Similarly, it is my aim to obtain consensus of all parties to get the approval for the 20th Amendment to the Constitution to change the electoral system, he said.
The President said the preferential electoral system introduced in the 1980s resulted in a system in which the people with money and power became more important than the policies and visions of political parties. As a result persons without political vision or experience enter the legislation.
He added that in order to take effective measures to transform the political culture and fulfill the aspirations of the large majority of the people in the country it is essential to pass the 20th Amendment to the Constitution.
The President emphasized that during the last four decades, this was the first opportunity given for a wide-ranging dialogue on a new constitution or an important amendment to the Constitution.
Speaking at the meeting, Ven maduluwawe Sobhitha Thero said all civil society organizations strongly believe that the 20thAmendment should be presented before the Parliament immediately. He said that would provide an opportunity to find out who are the members who support the Amendment and who are opposed to it. Ven Sobhitha Thero said all the civil society organizations would extend fullest support to President Sirisena to get the 20th Amendment passed.
The meeting was attended by Ven Sobitha Thero, Ven Rathana Thero ad several members of the Sangha, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, Minister Rajitha Senaratne and members of civil society movements that supported Mr Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Election.
