None of the presidential candidates have declared intentions to eliminate executive powers
President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed that none of the candidates aiming to contest in the presidential election have proposed to eliminate the executive powers linked to the position.
He highlighted the pros and cons of the executive presidential system, emphasizing the significant role the executive power played in Sri Lanka’s economic progress and the resolution of the 30-year war.
President Wickremesinghe made these comments during a dialogue session on legal reforms with young legal professionals at a workshop held yesterday (28) at the Presidential Secretariat.
He emphasized the need for laws that make the President accountable to Parliament and mentioned the decentralization of some executive powers to Provincial Councils and Parliamentary Oversight Committees.
Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe mentioned the allocation of financial provisions for future Presidential elections.
The President further stated,
Sri Lanka has various governance systems, including the English model with a cabinet and the executive presidential system where the President holds executive authority. The legislation holds legislative powers, and the President and legislature can belong to different parties. He elaborated on the Swiss parliamentary model and the previous Donoughmore system used in Sri Lanka.
He highlighted how executive power was crucial in the development of Sri Lanka during past presidencies and the challenges faced during the tenure of the good governance government.
President Wickremesinghe also emphasized the importance of empowering the Parliament and enacting laws to make the President accountable to it.
He mentioned the allocation of some executive powers to Provincial Councils and various commissions and the functioning of parliamentary oversight committees.
The President addressed several queries regarding national action plans, economic development, agriculture, education reforms, and modern technologies.
He also discussed the proposed animal welfare bill and upcoming legislative agendas related to safeguarding women, anti-corruption measures, and economic transformation.
The event was attended by Member of Parliament Premanath .C. Dolawatta PC, former Parliamentary Secretary General Dr. Priyani Wijesinghe, Presidential Director of Youth Affairs and Sustainable Development Mr. Randula Abeyweera and others.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted that none of the presidential candidates have plans to abolish executive powers. He discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the executive presidential system in Sri Lanka and stressed the importance of accountability to Parliament. Wickremesinghe mentioned the decentralization of powers to Provincial Councils and Oversight Committees. He also discussed various governance models, including the Swiss and Donoughmore systems. Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for economic transformation and modernization in agriculture, education, and technology. Additionally, he addressed the upcoming legislative agenda, including laws for animal welfare and anti-corruption. The event was attended by various officials, including Dr. Priyani Wijesinghe and Mr. Randula Abeyweera.
