15 Dec 2014
Different pacts on presidency: Ranawaka defends Sirisena

‘Rajapaksa also blew hot and cold on abolishing presidency in 2005’

December 14, 2014, 9:40 pm 

By Shamindra Ferdinando

JHU General Secretary Patali Champika Ranawaka, MP yesterday strongly defended Opposition presidential candidate Maithripala Sirisena's right to reach two different electoral pacts with the Opposition coalition backing him and the JHU.

MP Ranawaka was responding to government allegations that Maithripala Sirisena had deceived the electorate by having two different agreements. After having pledged support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, former JHU Deputy General Secretary Udaya Gammanpila said that Sirisena had assured a section of the Opposition that the presidency would be abolished while promising the JHU to introduce far reaching constitutional reforms to reduce the powers of the President.

Addressing the media at Maithripala Sirisena's campaign office at Havelock road, MP Ranawaka pointed out that the then Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had adopted a similar strategy at Nov. 2005 presidential poll. Ranawaka said that Premier Rajapaksa reached an agreement with the JVP to do away with the presidency, whereas his pact with the JHU was meant to repeal dictatorial powers enjoyed by the president.

The JHU General Secretary emphasised the pivotal importance of restoring democracy by empowering parliament and the judiciary.

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Responding to the government assertion that in the unlikely event of Maithripala Sirisena winning January 8, 2015 poll the country would be plunge into an unprecedented crisis, Ranawaka assured that the former SLFP General Secretary was confident of ensuring stability. "We'll definitely have a very stable government due to those in the Opposition reaching consensus on vital issues." Recalling constitutional changes introduced by Sirimavo Bandaranaike, MP Ranawaka said that the former SLFP leader had had an understanding with JRJ. That ensured stability. But, JRJ had failed to secure Mrs Bandaranaike's support when he introduced the 1978 Constitution, the MP said.

MP Ranawaka also alleged that the government was making an attempt to deceive the electorate by implying that whatever the outcome of the election, the incumbent president would remain in power. The MP urged the electorate to exercise the franchise without fear to ensure that the country returned to democratic mainstream. The MP requested the voters not to be overwhelmed by the ongoing media operation meant to suppress democratic opposition. Referring to northern and southern terrorism, MP Ranawaka said that unless remedial measures were taken there could be further bloodshed.