‘Elect Mahinda to achieve prosperity’ was the battle cry of the SLFP, the JVP, the CP, the LSSP, the MEP and some ethnic political parties.

Mahinda won and his term should end in 2011. There are rumours that he will stand for re-election at the commencement of 2010. In that event he could go on until 2017, fulfilling much of his plans for the economic uplift of the country. The development and prosperity he planned for have been partially achieved, though there is much more to be realised. In those circumstances, it appears preposterous that those who supported him earlier are now agitating frantically to have the Executive Presidency abolished. Many concerned countries have acknowledged and acclaimed him as a matchless leader. If political parties are really concerned about the forward march of the country, they should realise that a presidential election is superfluous and allow Mahinda to continue as President and use the funds so saved for development purposes.

Wouldn’t Mangala Samaraweera have been with the government if he had been permitted to hold the lucrative Ports portfolio? Is there a likelihood of the JVP or the UNP fielding a candidate for the presidency, who could command the love and respect of the nation?

An Executive Prime Minister is elected by the House and MPs may be swayed by Rajaratnam and others. A president is elected by the whole country and exerting such influence is not possible.

The incumbent president enjoys the confidence of the country at large. The country has had four presidents, but none enjoyed the confidence and affection of the nation to the extent the incumbent President has. He cannot be easily dislodged.

The president, conscious of his responsibility, claims to be the guardian of the country, though the parochial men call him King.

The JVP, which swore to keep away from the capitalist UNP, now pledges to abolish the Executive Presidency! It is correct that presidents have abused their powers; but so have ministers, parliamentarians, public servants and others wielding authority.

The Leader of the Opposition, who has misunderstood his role, opposes the government and the country too; and during his foreign trips he abuses the government. Why can’t he confine his anti-government campaign to this country?

Their political bankruptcy has caused them to pit General Sarath Fonseka against the president. Whatever the politically bankrupt opposition resorts to, the nation will re-elect President Mahinda Rajapaksa.