COLOMBO: Congratulating the newly elected President of Sri Lanka,Ranil Wickremasinghe, the Environment Minister Naseer Ahamed said the swearing-in ceremony was not only historical but also revolutionary in the contemporary politics of Sri Lanka.
“President Wickremasinghe was elected by the Members of Parliament belonging to a wider range of political parties and groups representing different political ideologies, ethnic and religious backgrounds, geographical representation and with varied electoral socio-economic profiles. That way, he was the “preferred choice” of over 60% of Members who cast their vote disregarding their political differences and disparities. Members were also additionally conscious of the fact they were picking up the President in the midst of the worst political and economic crisis of the country in its post-independence times. The overwhelming majority of Members had the trust and confidence in his capacity and capabilities, amply proven during his four decades of service to the nation making him “the man of all seasons”, and also believed in the reforms package he will bring forth” minister Ahamed said.
He also added, that no one can undermine this result saying it is not the peoples’ verdict and the ground reality is different. In a representative democracy, peoples’ sovereignty is directly and comprehensively represented by their elected representatives. That way yesterday’s voting result in the parliament corresponds to the situation of over 60% of the population voting him in to Presidency, an outcome even going beyond the results of 2019 Presidential election.
“What is therefore important right now, is looking ahead having accepted the result and supporting him wholeheartedly to give leadership to bring the country out of this present mess. Let us shed all our differences, political divides and petty selfish, political agendas and motives and work hand in hand with the new President and resolve the deep crisis that we are in today. It is the national duty and responsibility of all parties concerned to allow the new President to function uninterruptedly at least for a period of six months and give him fair opportunity to save mother Sri Lanka with his proven political experience and wisdom”. Minister Ahamed concluded.
