It was shocking to hear Anura Bandaranaike the Ex-Speaker say that if the United National Front wins the election and Ranil Wickremesinghe is made the Prime Minister the President could dissolve Parliament every year for the next four years and have four general elections thus making it impossible for the UNF to govern this unfortunate country. To even have a thought of such a thing and come out with public statements is an act of gross irresponsibility.

His statement smacks of gross contempt for Parliament which is the voice of the people and insensitivity to the fact that a government elected to power according to the will of the people should be allowed to implement its policies and programmes so long as it commands a majority in the House.

It also reflects total disregard for the interests of the country which is crying to high heaven for good governance and failure to realise that elections costs millions of valuable rupees and people are sick of elections and only want a solution to their many problems.

Let me refer Mr. Bandaranaike to the Constitution.

Sections 3 and 4 : In the Republic of Sri Lanka sovereignty is in the people and is inalienable. Sovereignty includes the powers, of government, fundamental rights and the franchise.

Section 42: The President shall be responsible to Parliament for the due exercise, performance and discharge of his powers , duties and functions under the Constitution and any written law.

Mr. Bandaranaike should remember that sovereignty is not vested in the President and that the President is accountable to Parliament for her actions.

R. B. Dias
Panadura