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Editorials from Sinhala and Tamil Newspapers of September 26, 2001

Voice of the Sinhala and Tamil Media

S.W.R.D. and Sirimavo Bandaranaike have made historic contributions to political and social life - Dinamina

PROVABLE FEATURES OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT (Lakbima):

Considering the unstable situation the country has fallen into, the passing of the 17th Constitutional amendment has brought up some provable features. The fact that it was approved by a 2/3 majority is almost incredible in the context of the current state of widespread confusion. It was made possible by the exceptional unity displayed by the government party and the Opposition in the face of an issue of paramount national importance. The decisive and dominant role played by the JVP in this rare consensus should not be forgotten by anyone. It proved that it was not impossible for the government and Opposition to act with mutual co-operation if they really wanted.

Both the government and the Opposition should prove that they really mean to get the maximum benefit from these independent commissions. This can be done only by taking prompt and genuine action to make these proposals functional. The people should be allowed to enjoy the fruits of these commissions.

MAKE THEIR VISION A REALITY (Dinamina):

Today we commemorate the Bandaranaike Day. There were religious activities conducted in many parts of the country during yesterday and the day before in this connection.

This is not surprising considering the respect and regard Sri Lankans have for the Bandaranaike name so long as they retain the laudable national sentiment of gratitude.

Now, September 26 is commemorated to honour the memory of both S.W.R.D. and Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Both of them have served the country and its people making historic contributions to the political and social life. Mr.S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike ushered in an era of the common man upstaging the remnants of colonial servility.

Undaunted by his tragic removal by reactionary forces, Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike continued his struggle revitalizing and providing it a strong leadership. If not for the pitfalls and traps designed by reactionary elements which mouth so called national slogans to conceal their treacherous plans, both Mr. S.W.R.D. and Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike would have realized their life long dream of a Sri Lanka of their vision. We should now try to create their vision of a country unfettered and stifled by divisive bounds strapped on by our colonial rulers. This can be achieved by devolving political power and creating a peaceful and united country.

A VICTORY FOR CONCERTED EFFORT (Lankadeepa):

The passing of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution in Parliament with the necessary two-thirds majority is a victory for the people in this country. It is a particularly significant step for the democracy-loving people.

The UNP initiated the proposal and lobbied strongly until it was passed.

The role played by the JVP was very remarkable, by including this measure as an item in the MoU with the PA and also persuading the UNP at the very end to accept the government's amendments, they played a catalyst role. It also intervened to iron out differences that cropped up from time to time between the government and the UNP just prior to and during the debate in Parliament.

Persons appointed to these independent bodies should be of a high calibre.

We wish the members to be appointed to these august assemblies all success in their endeavors.

TAMILS SHOULD BE MADE PARTNERS IN NEW CULTURE (Virakesari):

Though with difficulty a consensus was reached at last in the matter of independent commissions and the 17th Amendment to the Constitution to provide for them has been passed in Parliament with the required majority. The Opposition voting with the government to pass this legislation has led to a new political culture which was lacking badly in recent times.

This new culture should continue to be followed to take the country out of the present crisis. It is also important to make use of this facility to solve once and for all the burning question in the country, the ethnic issue. The ruling party and the UNP should work together to find a solution. The Tamil people of this country who feel aggrieved of being ignored, can be made partners of the new political culture, if this could be done.

BANDARANAIKE COMMEMORATION DAY (Thinakaran):

Today is the 42nd Bandaranaike Commemoration Day. Late Mr. Bandaranaike served the country and its people well until death. He was responsible for creating a new political culture involving the people for the first time in the country's history. He was responsible for severing all ties with British imperialists which were lingering even after independence.

Late Mr. Bandaranaike had a major contribution to make in forming the Non-Alignment Movement together with world leaders such as Abdel Nasser, Jawaharlal Nehru and Marshall Tito. He was also responsible for several revolutionary changes such as the nationalization of the Ports and Bus services etc. His good intention of devolving power under the Banda-Chelva Pact was thwarted by extremists and majoritarian chauvinists. Finally, these same forces were responsible for his death.

INDEPENDENT COMMISSIONS (Thinakkural):

As a result of the MoU with the JVP the PA government has started doing something without stopping at mere words. The slashing of the Cabinet and the 17th Amendment to the Constitution providing for Independent Commissions are good steps. The PA government should follow this trend and bring to reality several of its promises which are pending.

The Independent Commissions that are to be appointed with the participation of all the parties should be 100 percent independent. This has been stressed in various quarters. Only then can the country be taken along the new path that has been selected.

The JVP's contribution in having the 17th Amendment passed is commendable.

It should lead to a revolution in the thinking and approach of the government. National traditions in politics have been long forgotten. The attempt of the JVP to steady the two major parties which were staggering all this time should continue to succeed. There is an apparent trend to free the country and its institutions from politicizing. The PA government is guilty of politicizing everything during the past seven years. It is time for it to gets out of this trend and follow the new political culture that has emerged.

NOTE TO OUR READERS: Main stories from the 'The Island' and 'Divaina' could not be included due to these newspapers not reaching us on time.  

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