We can find examples for the ideal cabinet from developed countries in our own backyard (say Singapore) or globally (the USA). The reality is close to the 31 member cabinet formed in January 2015, because that is the minimum we have seen in practice here in Sri Lanka. As I argued in articles published in Financial Times and Dinamina, whether we ...
I have to admit. I was slightly uncomfortable towards the middle of the speech by President Maithripala. Is it Presidential go into such detail about what happened in the executive committee of the SLFP? However, as the President went on to elaborate, I settled down in my chair and listened. He was laying it out, patiently and systematically, every thing that happened during the last ...
Amendment 20 to the Constitution sought to introduce a mixed member method of electing parliamentarians. Few people seem to be aware that we already have a mixed member electoral system in place for local government. An Act to amend the local government elections using a mixed member method was passed in 2012, largely away from the eyes of media and ...
According to the Daily News report on Cabinet meeting of May 27th , the cabinet is deadlocked on 20A. According to other sources, The Cabinet sub-committee appointed for the purpose had an agreement on the proposed adaptation of the New Zealand method with 165 FPP seats and 255 total seats, but, at the larger cabinet meeting differences re-emerged. The meeting ...
Electoral reform logjam broke loose when MPs agreed to an increase to the size of the parliament from 225 to 250. The idealists are up in arms. What is the ideal size of the parliament? What is the ideal mix of representation? They are asking now. These are good questions, but, unfortunately that bus left long ago, as far back ...
People have given the green light for a bold new step to do away with the executive presidency. The next 100 days are crucial as the form and shape of the new presidency emerge. The Maithri manifesto talked about a redefined presidency representing national unity and taking on other responsibilities as needed. Mr. Maithripala Sirisena has the ability to make it much more. If executive ...
People have given the green light for a bold new step to do away with the executive presidency. The next 100 days are crucial as the form and shape of the new presidency emerge. The Maithri manifesto talked about a redefined presidency representing national unity and taking on other responsibilities as needed. Mr. Maithripala Sirisena has the ability to make it much more. If executive ...
The MOU signed by the joint opposition was largely about abolishing the presidency, bringing in good governance and not much more. The theme of their latest campaign video – ‘a leader to bring back disappearing human values or මැකෙනා මිනිස්කම් රකිනා නායකයා” — is much more promising. What are these disappearing human values and what structural changes, beyond the abolishing ...
The MOU signed by the joint opposition was largely about abolishing the presidency, bringing in good governance and not much more. The theme of their latest campaign video – ‘a leader to bring back disappearing human values or මැකෙනා මිනිස්කම් රකිනා නායකයා” — is much more promising. What are these disappearing human values and what structural changes, beyond the abolishing ...
Mr. Maithripala Sirisena’s appearance as the common candidate opposing the incumbent president has thrown the Sri Lankan political scene into whirl. Unfortunately, all we hear from the opposition is that they are going to abolish the presidency, but, exactly how are they going to do? As articulated recently, will the common candidate have the support of the two third of the MPs in the parliament ...
Mr. Maithripala Sirisena’s appearance as the common candidate opposing the incumbent president has thrown the Sri Lankan political scene into whirl. Unfortunately, all we hear from the opposition is that they are going to abolish the presidency, but, exactly how are they going to do? As articulated recently, will the common candidate have the support of the two third of the MPs in the parliament ...
I was suddenly reminded that today is your 102nd birth anniversary. I missed your 100th one but I will not let this one go without writing a few words. Your niece Chulie gave her account, but, let me add my story to complement hers. My life has been and continues to be a joyful one largely to you, my dear teacher! My eyes ...