Cuda Banda Ratwatta says… There is a cry by all manner of dubious organizationsMahinda Rajapakse such as the OPA and some other persons to appoint the members of the constitutional council. I must say that, that is the prerogative of the President and not an issue about which civil or professional organizations can or should shout themselves hoarse. He must have a good reason for not making the appointments.

An executive President is a blessing for a country to both the minorities and the majority. Under parliamentary democracy, the minorities are ignored. They may be equal before the law and that is it. It is the right that the majority must rule with a degree of fairness to the minorities.

Their clamour to have a vice President for each minority is an absurd suggestion. Minorities must learn to live as minorities or go to a country where every minority has majority status like the UK. In our country much of the commerce and business is in the hands of the minorities. The gem trade is in the hands of a minority. Much of the Galle road frontage up to Bambalapitiya is minority owned. One minority group populates the Colombo district.

I believe that the country is well served when the President has the right to make these appointments and not as some members of parliament of various parties want it. I hope the President does not make these appointments as A, B, and C wants, but have the procedure to appoint the constitutional council amended so that he has a greater say in these -vital appointments like the IGP. As it is, what if these three appointees do as they please and do not please or serve the majority? After all we are a democracy, and the majority must have the final say.

Finally, when the President has greater authority we develop faster.

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