June 27, 2013, 7:41 pm


The total number of M.P. s, Provincial Council members and members of all other local bodies in the island would be less than 10,000. When we add to the said total, all political activists, members of N.G.O s human rights organizations et al and those who summon press conferences, those who go in processions and those who write regularly to the press, on the above subject, the grand total would certainly be less than 100,000, which is less than half percent of the country’s population.

Thus, 99.5% of the country’s population belongs to the silent majority. Sri Lanka is a democratic country and democracy has been described as government by the people, for the people, and of the people. What matters, therefore, is the opinion of this large majority which has not been consulted, on such an important issue like the 13th Amendment.

A very negligible minority of less than half percent of the country’s population has no authority to decide on their own, what is good for 99.5% the country’s population, without their consent, on matters affecting the country for centuries to come. It is, therefore, the bounden duty of the government to consult the people on the 13th Amendment by holding a referendum. After all, of what earthly use is the provision for a referendum made in the present constitution, if no referendum is held on such a complex issue? When compared with the vast changes contemplated in the 13th Amendment, the holding of a referendum to extend the period of the Parliament, by six years, fades into total insignificance. Yet, a referendum was held in 1983 to extend the period of the Parliament.

Moreover, the extension of the period of the Parliament was only for six years, whereas the far reaching changes in the 13th Amendment affects the country for centuries to come. In such a scenario, the holding of a referendum is an absolute necessity, for the implementation of the 13th Amendment. Any action/step that may be taken to implement the 13th Amendment, without such a referendum, could be challenged in a court of law, in view of what is stated above. After all, this country belongs to all of us and a negligible minority of less than one percent of the country’s population cannot take any grave and important decisions affecting the entire country, for centuries to come, without consulting the people.

In view of what is stated above, the silent majority of 99.5 percent of the country’s population would be looking forward to express their opinion on the suitability or otherwise of the 13th Amendment, at a referendum to be held in this connection. Of course, any opposing views will be greatly welcomed and if such views do not appear in this newspaper, within, say, two weeks from the date of publication of this letter, this writer will be happy in the thought that his views expressed herein are 100% correct.

D. Chandrasiri

island.lk