Call for Double ballot system

To ensure equitable representation:

by P.Krishnaswamy

Prominent constitutional reform activist Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera supports the call by the alliance of smaller political parties for a double ballot system to be included in the electoral reforms provided in the proposed 20th Amendment, the Sunday Observer learns.

This alliance includes seveal government ministers. Ven. Sobitha, convenor of the National Movement for a Just Society and Chief Incumbent of the Kotte Sri Naga Vihara, endorsed this call when met a powerful delegation from the newly formed assembly of Minor and Minority Parties (AMMP) yesterday. Assembly convenor and Western Provincial Councillor Mano Ganeshan, told the Sunday Observer.

Mr. Ganeshan, leader of the Democratic People's Party, led the delegation to meet the activist-Prelate.

The AMMP delegation met Ven. Sobitha Thera yesterday afternoon to explain their stance with regard to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and their call for incorporating the double-ballot system as a measure to ensure equitable representation of the Minor and Minorities Parties.

Party leaders, Minister Rauff Hakeem, Tissa Vitharana, Minister Rishad Bathuideen, Douglas Devananda, Sirithunga Jayasuyriya and Azath Sally were among those who participated on behalf of the AMMP. Ven. Sobitha Thera agreed to convey the AMMP's position to President Maithripala Sirisena, according to Ganeshan. The AMMP is also to meet Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe today (Sunday) to explain their stand, Ganeshan said.