Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa urged the public not to grant unchecked power to any government simply on the back of a political wave, saying that future governments should be given only a reasonable majority to enable the country to pursue justice, fairness and prosperity.
Premadasa said that although the Constitution introduced by former President J.R. Jayewardene had certain shortcomings, the powers it provided had been instrumental in addressing the terrorist crisis the country faced at the time.
However, he said that in the post-war era following the defeat of terrorism, the priority should be to safeguard democracy, freedom and the independence of the judiciary.
He also called for an immediate end to the postponement of Provincial Council elections on various grounds, including the appointment of select committees, and challenged the Government to move beyond rhetoric and take immediate steps to hold the elections.
Premadasa further accused the Government of adopting an indifferent approach towards the disasters and adverse weather conditions affecting the country.
