by Melani Manel Perera

Parties agree on a weaker presidency in favour of a stronger prime minister. The dialogue between President Rajapaksa and main opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe over a mixed electoral system continues.

Colombo (AsiaNews) – Government and opposition agree on changes regarding the executive presidency, which would lose powers in favour of a prime minister responsible to parliament, opposition leader and United National Party (UNP) chief Ranil Wickramasinghe said after talks with President Mahinda Rajapaksa. “Talks” will continue “today on the new local government election system,” Mr. Wickramasinghe added.

Under the proposed changes, the two parties agree that future parliamentary elections will be based on a mixed system that combines the current system of proportional representation with first-past-the post.

“Whilst having negotiations with the government, we shall carry out our campaign for constitutional reform but also for a lower cost of living,” Wickramasinghe said.

The UUNP leader also said that the media should play a greater role in the debate on proposed constitutional reforms.

“I think there is a golden opportunity for the media,” which “should grab it and initiate a public debate. Don’t leave it upon us alone. Whenever there is a media debate, fresh ideas can emerge. It will be a help to us,” he said.

People who spoke to AsiaNews said they were happy about improved relations between government and opposition.

“Development should lead to a system that protects us poor people, who live day to day,” said a group of fishermen who sell their catch door to door.

• sri
• lanka
• constitutional
• electoral
• reform
• government
• opposition
• agreements