ABOLISH SRILANKA PRESIDENT's MONSTROUS POWER!!!

The President’s monstrous powers

Mr. Editor/Island.lk,

you said it all in your editorial A crying shame of 21st March. You said that it was with shock and dismay that the country became aware of Mary Juliet Fernando (wife of Minister Milroy Fernando), who was sentenced to Death in 2005 for the murder of two women, and who had the Death Penalty reduced to life Imprisonment, being given a pardon by the President, on International Women’s Day. You clearly said, Mr. Editor, the President’s monstrous powers permitted that atrocious, reprehensible and deplorable action. You said the President just could not justify his action on any grounds.

Bravo, Mr. Editor, for having said so! You were, no doubt, voicing the grave disappointment of the people. This is not the first time that you have acted courageously and fearlessly in defending the rights of our people. The country salutes you for even taking on the President when he uses his monstrous powers against the will of the people.

The country today sees how his powers are being used without any let up. In spite of the heavy flak he draws, the President continues regardless. He has not appointed the Constitutional Council yet. As a result for over two years the various vital Commissions needed to uphold the rights of the people, the Elections Commission, the Police Commission, The Judicial Services Commission, etc., could not be appointed.

The President continues to appoint his favourites to the various commissions. He even refused to obey a Supreme Court ruling on fuel prices.

Unbridled executive powers have ruined this country. It is time to campaign for the abolition of the Executive Presidency.


Maurice Lord

www island.lk