On making a new Constitution

2022-09-26

The provisions for the repeal of the present Constitution and for replacement by a new Constitution as found in the 1978 Constitution cannot be looked into in isolation of the totality of that Constitution and the principles on which it was based.

Commenting on the nature of the 1978 Constitution, Dr. Colvin R. de Silva remarked that this Constitution is not based on any great tradition but that it is an imitation of the style of governance by Central African Leader Jean-Bédel Bokassa. Bokassa was seen as the craziest political figure who simply did whatever he wanted and did not follow any kind of principles or traditions. It is not an exaggeration to say that from the political style, President J.R. Jayewardene was no different to Bokassa. Attributing some respectability to the 1978 Constitution is one of the greatest mistakes that has been made in Sri Lanka. It is at least time now to realise what a crazy document it is.

The 1978 Constitution is often portrayed as an attempt to find ways to have an open economy. This too is a considerable, damaging myth. The fact that Sri Lanka became an open economy was part of the changes that were taking place in the world at the time in terms of the models of change that were being pursued by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

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