President appeals to parties to

help adopt 19th Amendment

A
pril 23, 2015

Object 1

President Maithripala Sirisena today appealed to all political parties to assist in

passing the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in order to firmly establishing freedom
and democracy in the country.
In order to build a democratic and civilized society, it is necessary to prevent the
emergence of dictatorship and taking control of state power, state assets, the judiciary,
parliament and all of this to ones own control that comes from the Executive
Presidential system.
This should be immediately changed. I have worked towards this in the past three
months, the President said, making a special statement regarding the Governments
100-day program.
President Sirisena said that he is unaware of any leader in the world who had obtained
an office with all these powers but has been as flexible in trying to get rid of those
powers that had been bestowed on such a leader.
He stated that the government took a political decision on removing executive powers
and that the Supreme Court has also given a decision on this. It is now necessary for
us to act in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court. We cannot go beyond
this, he said.
The President said in the past few days there were certain obstacles with regard to
presenting of the 19th Amendment to Parliament.
It is my respectful appeal to the honourable representatives of the people to consider
this as a historic occasion that has come to you. Voting for this will bring respect in
history to you.
Therefore, in order to ensure that we build the country that protects the peoples
freedom, democracy, promotes civilized society and helps build a disciplined country, it
is my belief that every one of you will vote to adopt the 19th Amendment.
I call on you to use your valuable vote for this and be a partner in firmly establishing
freedom and democracy in this country, he added.
President Sirisena said that in addition to the 19th Amendment, a draft bill has been
presented to the Cabinet to change the electoral system. Action is being taken to
present this to Parliament for adoption.
The President delivered the special statement as the Government of Sri Lanka marks
the completion of 100 days, today (23) the deadline assigned to complete its election
pledges.
The President said that the government has taken giant strides towards restoring
democracy in the country, within the 100 days since his election victory on January 8.
In the 100 days since then, we have as a new government, taken many important
steps with regard to the countrys economy, politics, development and international
relations, he said
He stated that the manner in which the freedom and democracy obtained by this

transformation and revolution has been used by certain elements in the past three
months, their political decisions and activities, brings to mind the occasions in world
history when in countries that carried out revolutions were later faced with counterrevolutions.
We are aware that very often it is a common occurrence in countries for counterrevolution to follow a revolution, he said, adding, that when the great humanitarian
leader Abraham Lincoln of the United States took action to abolish slavery and
introduced legislations for this purpose, for some time after this some of the people in
slavery stated that they preferred the condition of slavery.
This is the reality of human society. It is therefore essential that we understand this.
Today some are asking what has been done in these 100 days, Sirisena said. There
was much done in these 100 days. Some of these valuable actions are neither
physical in nature nor visible to the eye.
President Sirisena stated that public can recall the international situation facing the
country at the time he was sworn in as President on January 9th.
The international community was divided over us, he said.
However, Sirisena said just the countrys people placed their trust on him on January
09, the international community has also placed their trust on him to ensure freedom
and democracy, human rights and fundamental rights.
However, Sirisena said, that because of the faith the people placed in him and elected
this government, the international community that was divided over Sri Lanka, now
place their trust in the government, and him, and believe that as Head of State he
would protect the freedom of this country and its Democracy, Human Rights and
Fundamental Rights.
The President said that starting with the visit to India, his first official foreign tour after
being elected, all his foreign visits helped build the international communitys trust.
He stated that during the past 100 days his government has won the international
communitys trust and confidence.
I wish to emphasize to those who question what we have done in the past 100 days
that we have regained the international friendship and trust that had considerably
declined under the previous government, and that my government and I were able to
win over and strengthen this friendship for the benefit of the people of this country.
He stated that country must greatly value this new trust won, which will provide us
with cooperation for national development, especially for development of national
resources and effective participation in international affairs.
President Maithripala Sirisenas Full Statement:

On this occasion that marks 100 days since my election as President, I think it is
proper that I address you as your first servant, appointed by you. Following the results
of the Presidential Election on January 8 this year, you gave me the opportunity of
being sworn in as the Head of State or President of this country.
In the 100 days since then, we have as a new government, taken many important
steps with regard to the countrys economy, politics, development and international
relations.
I think that when the people of this country voted on January 8 they clearly carried out
both a transformation, and revolution with their democratic right. The manner in which
the freedom and democracy obtained by this transformation and revolution has been
used by certain elements in the past three months, their political decisions and
activities, brings to my mind the occasions in world history when in countries that
carried out revolutions were later faced with counter-revolutions.
We are aware that very often it is a common occurrence in countries for counterrevolution to follow a revolution. One could see a similar scenario following the
collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990-91. Similarly, following the fall of Communist
states in Eastern Europe, when a political transformation took place in those societies
that had moved towards political extremism, there was a period of political turmoil and
uncertainty until the people of these countries could enjoy their entitlement to freedom
and democracy. When the great humanitarian leader Abraham Lincoln of the United
States took action to abolish slavery and introduced legislations for this purpose, for
some time after this some of the people in slavery stated that they preferred the
condition of slavery. This is because they thought that going forward in life in slavery
was better than enjoying the freedom given and building themselves on their own
strength, as they were used to living under conditions of slavery. This is the reality of
human society. It is therefore essential that we understand this.
Today some asked what has been done in these 100 days. I say, there was much
done in these 100 days. Some of these valuable actions are neither physical in nature
nor visible to the eye.
You will recall the international situation facing our country at the time I was sworn in
as President on January 9th. The international community was divided over us. You
will remember what took place at the United Nations, the Human Rights Commission
and the Security Council. However, after January 9th, because of the faith you placed
in me and elected this government, the international community that was divided over
us, now place their trust in this government, and me just as you did, and believe that
as Head of State I would protect the freedom of this country and its Democracy,
Human Rights and Fundamental Rights.
My recent visits abroad started with our friendly neighbor India and later to Britain to
participate in the Commonwealth Day events. Even more than my participation in the
Commonwealth Day events was the opportunity to meet with the British Prime
Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of Defense
and Her Majesty the Queen, on behalf of our country. By this, it is my belief that we

have the support not only of Britain, but also of the wider European Union.
My next visit was to China. As a friendly state that gave support for national
development and made much investment in this country, I had the opportunity to
further strengthen the friendship that existed between our two countries. I next went to
Pakistan, which is one of our very close friends. I believe that trough these visits to
India, China, Pakistan and Britain we have achieve a much towards winning over the
entire world. Through the close friendship displayed by British Prime Minister David
Cameron, Indian Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jingping have confirmed their trust placed in us for
the protection and growth of freedom and democracy.
I remember how close the world was to us at the time of Prime Minister Sirimavo
Bandaranaike with the foreign policy of Non-alignment, which my government too
clearly follows today. This leads to strengthening friendship with all states.
I also recall the good wishes conveyed to me when I was elected President by the UN
Secretary General, whose Special Representative came to our country recently.
Similarly, a large number of foreign ministers from Western countries and a large
number of other diplomatic representatives visited our country and expressed their
confidence in us.
Therefore, I wish to emphasize to those who question what we have done in the past
100 days that we have regained the international friendship and trust that had
considerably declined under the previous government, and that my government and I
were able to win over and strengthen this friendship for the benefit of the people of this
country. We must greatly value this new trust we have won which will provide us with
cooperation for national development, especially for development of national
resources and effective participation in international affairs.
You are fully aware of the conditions under which you brought me to this office. I recall
that prior to January 8 if I spoke to one of our own Pradesheeya Sabha Members by
telephone they would shout and ask me not to speak because the telephones were
tapped. The government officers did not speak freely. Ordinary people in the country
would not speak freely. Members of the armed forces, the lower ranks of the police
could also not speak freely on the telephone. None of them had the freedom to speak
freely by telephone.
In the past 3 months, this freedom has been restored and strengthened. This was
similar with media freedom, too. I recall how prior to January 8 those who yielded
political power spoke to the heads of media institutions, news directors and news
editors. That included intimidation, threats and mental pressure. Today, the media is
free of all this.
Are we to transform the freedoms we have obtained to that of the wild ass? I see
some of the media institutions behave today. I am surprise how they use these
freedoms in a wrong manner. It must be noted that we have firmly established the
democratic rights of the people and the freedom of the media.

Let us take the Judiciary. You are aware of how the rule of law was so badly damaged.
Did the people have confidence in the Judiciary? The Commission on Bribery or
Corruption, the Supreme Court and all these institutions were subjected to telephone
calls of those who were in power. You know very well how persons associated with
various crimes obtained freedom at that time; how judgments in cases were obtained.
Did the Attorney General have the power at the time to act according to his office?
Today, with the appointment of the Chief Justice, the Commander of Army, all who
serve in those sections have a clear acceptance that these appointments had been
made on seniority and suitability for such positions. Therefore, we have strengthened
the Rule of Law, which is essential for freedom and democracy.
National Security has now been strengthened. I informed the Tri-Forces and the Police
at the Security Council that we need a new plan of action on national security. That
work is now being done better than it was done earlier. This is only a beginning. We
have to go much further in this regard.
My dear people, there is another thing I wish to bring to your notice. Some have made
various criticisms about my performance during these 100 days. Some say I lack
strength. Some say it is weak. Some say I am no leader. However, I wish to tell all
such critics, and you, my people, that my behavior in the last 100 days was not to use
the unlimited powers that are available to this office. Why, because you elected me to
distribute this power. I came for that purpose. I came to remove the unlimited powers
of an Executive President. There could be many analyses about this. I wish to state
clearly that my election manifesto stated very clearly that my election would be to
remove the unlimited powers held by Executive President. I wish to mention how
flexible I have been on this matter.
From the time the 1978 Constitution was adopted, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party had
been opposed to the Executive Presidential system. Therefore, since 1994 at every
Presidential Election our candidates stated in their manifestos that the unlimited
powers of the Executive Presidency would be removed. Yet, no one was able to do
that.
Similarly, the SLFP has from the beginning opposed the Manape electoral system
that came with the 1978 Constitution. The Leftwing and progressive political parties
are opposed to both of these. As I recall in 1999 the United National Party adopted a
resolution at their convention against this. The UNP has been opposed to this
since1999. This dialogue prevailed among the common people that went together with
their knowledge, wisdom, understanding and experience. Therefore, this must be
done. This is the 19th Amendment.
In order to build a democratic and civilized society, it is necessary to prevent the
emergence of dictatorship and taking control of state power, state assets, the judiciary,
parliament and all of this to ones own control that comes from the Executive
Presidential system.
This should be immediately changed. I have worked towards this in the past three
months. I am not aware of any leader in the world who had obtained an office with all

these powers but has been as flexible in trying to get rid of those powers that had
been bestowed on such a leader.
The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court that in keeping with my advice
these powers should be removed. My Constitutional Adviser also informed the
Supreme Court that these powers should be removed. We took a political decision on
this. The Supreme Court has given a decision on this.
It is now necessary for us to act in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court.
We cannot go beyond this. Therefore, in the past few days there were certain
obstacles with regard to presenting of this 19th Amendment to Parliament. It is my
respectful appeal to the honourable representatives of the people to consider this as a
historic occasion that has come to you. Voting for this will bring respect in history to
you. Therefore, in order to ensure that we build the country that protects the peoples
freedom, democracy, promotes civilized society and helps build a disciplined country, it
is my belief that every one of you will vote to adopt the 19th Amendment. I call on you
to use your valuable vote for this and be a partner in firmly establishing freedom and
democracy in this country.
In addition to the 19th Amendment, a draft bill has been presented to the Cabinet to
change the electoral system. Action is being taken to present this to Parliament for
adoption.
In keeping with the promises we gave to the people, we have appointed a Presidential
Task Force to inquire into corruption and fraud and work on this matter is proceeding
effectively.
In order to build a strong democratic and equitable nation it is necessary to promote
unity, friendship and coexistence among those who follow different religions such as
Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity and also among communities such as
Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Malays and Burghers, we need ensure reconciliation and
brotherhood that will eliminate mistrust, doubt and fear among people. The developed
countries of the world that are democratic and give an important place to freedom
have many different races, religions, languages and are multi-religious and multiethnic societies. It is therefore necessary for us to understand that while protecting the
historic dignity and respect of the Sinhala Buddhist people, it is also necessary to
ensure the brotherhood, friendship and coexistence among all communities and move
towards a just society that will ensure the rights of the people.
Moving further towards reconciliation, we have now appointed a Presidential Task
Force and a Presidential Office for Reconciliation.
Having understood the internal problems, we face as a country we must take every
action to prevent situations that led to the armed conflict that lasted three decades. For
this, the friendship among all people is essential. However, it is regrettable that our
political opponents are using the Internet and some media to spread false information
that the armed forces are to be reduced or removed from the North. That land had
been given to LTTE terrorists in Sampur. That more rights had been given to the
Tamils and Muslims than to the Sinhalese. Such stories are entirely spread by extreme

racists. Please do not give such false information to the world. This leads to largescale misleading of Sri Lankans living abroad.
I wish to clearly state that during the time of the armed conflict the armed forces took
private land for their use not only in the North and East, but also in the city of
Colombo. Therefore, is it wrong to give these lands back to their original owners?
Should we not return the large extent of private property acquired in Colombo Fort
near the Presidents House, around Temple Trees without any compromise on national
security or weakening of and security camps? However, there is wrong publicity given
about this.
We have a clear policy on this regard. A special Presidential Task Force has been
appointed to regain State assets. Similar action is taken to recover the State
properties transferred to others and funds belonging to the country placed in foreign
banks. Action is being taken to obtain cooperation both within the country and abroad
for this purpose.
If we consider development, our country imports food worth Rs 400 billion from abroad
annually. Therefore, are we self-sufficient? With the building of roads and other
constructions under the development of physical resources, this question of selfsufficiency is not solved. The national economy must be strengthened.
Our country is one with a beautiful environment. The natural resources, climate and
weather are blessings to this land. With such assets, we do not need to import Rs 400
billion worth of food. We have the objective to strengthen the local agricultural
economy.
Similarly, we are taking steps to strengthen the conditions of the public servants,
workers and employees in the private sector. By addressing the needs of all these
sections of the society we make our commitment to Good Governance as stated in our
manifesto.
The freedom and democracy that comes with Good Governance should not be abused
for personal gain. However, our responsibility towards people of the country and for
the children born tomorrow must be fulfilled.
Every action will be taken to reduce and eliminate corruption and fraud. To this
moment I have not made a telephone call or spoken to any officer in the Commission
on Bribery and Corruption. I have not spoken to any officer in the judiciary. That is a
necessity in good governance. The State sector should be an example to the people.
When I took office, the number of employees in Presidential Office was 1575. Now it
has been reduced to 600. Reduction of a 1000. That is our example.
I very respectfully tell my people that I am committed to fully carry out the promises
given in my election policy statement. I will leave no room for corruption, fraud, theft or
waste. As I stated earlier when we are taking action against corruption and all these
threats to society, there are people who like the slaves in America who were against
the abolishing of slavery and said they preferred to remain as slaves. They seem to

prefer a corrupt system and therefore mislead the public when action is taken to
eliminate corruption and fraud.
I have kept my faith with the people. I know that the people will take the correct
decision. We cannot allow the law of the jungle to supersede a good legal system. I do
not hesitate to take required decisions. I will take every step possible, especially to
protect and strengthen the peoples freedom and democracy and through these means
eliminate corruption and fraud, and thereby protect the genuine rights of the people. It
was with the possible sacrifice of my life that I contested the election. That was like a
leap into the ocean with the lives of my children myself at stake. I am so even today.
I will conclude with the call to all my people to join in brotherhood and friendship to
achieve the goals for which the people gave their mandate on January 8 and,
therefore go forward to establish the society we seek for today and tomorrow.
Posted by Thavam