Dr. Sudath Gunasekara 21.Gemunu Mawatha, Hanthana Pedesa

(Outline Draft for discussion: Sudath Gunasekara  (SLAS Class 1) Retired Permanent  Secretary to Prime  Minister Mrs Sirimavo Bandaranaike (15.Sept.2016)

 Introduction

There is unanimous agreement that the political party system, introduced by the British, has ruined this country. After establishing their hegemony they plundered, destroyed and then destabilized the native political, socio-economic and cultural systems in all the countries they conquered and thereafter they established their own political, administrative and legal mechanisms replacing the native systems, to tighten the colonial grip in order to perpetuate their hegemony and exploitation. Westminster Party system that was alien to the natives was the main instrument through which they manipulated and controlled these countries with the assistance of a new generation of rulers they have nursed over the years, subservient and servile to them who acted as their accredited local agents. Therefore no country that was subjected to their depredation can ever be free, either politically economically, culturally or otherwise until and unless these alien elements are completely eradicated

Practically everybody talk about it. But no one has so far found or seriously thought about any practical solution for this vexed national problem. What I put down here is the result of my search for a workable solution to that all important problem. I do not claim this to be a perfect answer. But I have an inner feeling that, if we implement this proposal it will serve as a turning point in the country’s political history, in our joint search for a satisfactory answer. It is a new idea that came to my mind, capable of generating a live debate on this subject. Two people have inspired me in this mission. The first is my good friend and colleague late UB Wijekoon, an uncommon politician who presented me a copy of a book Paksha Desapalanaya Ratata Sapaya) written by him in (2010) highlighting the need to change this curse; making a request appealing to me to think about a solution for this cancerous social disaster. Dr Gunadasa Amarasekara who wrote a book recently (2016) titled Sabbyatva Rajya” calling for a new system of government based on our own civilization is the other person who accelerated my search. I thank both of them sincerely for their inspiration.

However, this is not the result of an in depth research, on this subject. It is only a note prepared based on my thirty five years of experience and understanding of our political system, past and present, to be presented at a discussion organized by my colleague and friend Dr Nath Amarakoon at Navinna, Kotte on 15^th  October .

I wish and hope this note will inspire you all patriots to search for the answer we all need very badly to rescue our motherland and the nation from the imminent threats snarling at us, both internal and external.

The Philosophy and Mission

1 Balachackram hi nisrāya Dharmachakram Pravartatē” (The Wheel of Power Revolves on the Wheel of Dhamma)

2 Bahujana Hitāya Bahujana Sukhāya”  Lord Buddha. (For the Good of the many; For the Happiness of the    many)

Objective

To replace

The system of Government we have in this country today, what I call a Government by the Politicians, for the Politicians and of the Politicians”

With,

A Home grown system of Government A Government by the People, for the People and of the People,”

Based on the Dasaraja Damma, the Dharmasokian model, Pansil and the Mahasammatha concept of state craft that had made this country a Proud Land of plenty, prosperity, peace and just governance

and

To set up a new form of Government similar to what Martin Jacques calls the ‘Civilization State,” based on our own political philosophy, institutions and systems, traditions and social values that formed the  foundation of that heritage, to liberate this country from the shackles and clutches of Western colonial hegemony and exploitation. It is also an attempt to fully free our people from their mental servility to Western forms of Government, alien and utterly inappropriate to the East; to inspire people of this country to understand the value and relevance of their age old and time tested native system as the golden key to the portals of our future prosperity and pride. My final aim here is to call upon you all to ‘wake up’ from hibernation and to come forward to save the Motherland and lift it up once again to lofty heights as a strong, vibrant and a prosperous nation.

Political parties the curse of the Nation 

Of all legacies left behind by the British, political party system, has been identified as the most disastrous and baneful factor that has divided and ruined this country and the Sinhala nation ever since 1948. It is now widely accepted by everybody as the most fatal cancer that has killed the political stability and the unity of this Island nation, while continuously promoting the divide and rule policy of the British. Therefore the crying need for an immediate solution to put back this great nation once again on its own feet.

The proposed Model envisages replacing the existing so-called Western democratic model of government imposed on us by force and intrigue by the colonial invaders, with a novel native system, sans the political parties, administrative and legal systems and social values imposed on us by them. Going back to our roots in search of a permanent remedy to these ugly legacies of political, social, economic and mental maladies handed down to us by the West, to disrupt, disorganize and destroy our country to achieve their diabolical strategic, military and economic goals, is the aim of this effort.

I begin on the assumption that we have not got any independence in 1948. I challenge any one who says we have got any independence other than a British made Parliament to make legislation. The way how the West and India runs this country today with the assistance of their stooges  is sufficient proof of this pathetic situation. Have we won independence over our motherland, our language, religion, political institution , our social system or our heritage and values as India or Mianma did in 1947?  Do we have at least a homemade Constitution? Isn’t this country not run by the West orchestrated by the UN and the so-called International Community and India to suit their agendas. So in this backdrop how can one say we are an independent nation.

The following model is proposed to make this country once again a free and Independent country.

 Proposed model of Government

  Permanent Supreme National/ Rajya Advisory Council at the Centre (S N/R A C)

The Mahanayaka Theros of Malwatta, Asgiriya, Amarapura and Ramanna Nikaya          4

Mahanayaka Theras of Kotte, Ruhunu, Rangiri Dambulu, Uva Wanavasi Sects                    4                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Two eminent scholarly monks nominated by the 7 Mahanayaka Theras                          2

The three Religious leaders of Catholic, Hindu and Islam                                              3

President Uttara Mantrana Sabha                                                                                  1

Speaker Rajya Sabha                                                                                                     1                  Attorney General                                                                                                                   1              Head of the Public Service (Secretary to the Treasury)*                                               16

*(The Secretary to the Treasury like in the Civil Service days should be the most senior and competent Public Servant from the Sri Lanka State Administrative Service. SLSAS should also be fully upgraded and reorganized to the level of the unchallengeable Premier Public Service and the steel frame of the machinery of the State)

This will be a non-political Supreme National Advisory Council that stands above all state institutions and individuals in the country. It is an independent National Institution set up primarily and solely to protect and safeguard national interest and welfare of the people. It is expected that this Council will act as the guardian god to protect this country and the nation.  This Council to be formally appointed by the President of the Republic

Permanent Supreme National Planning Council (SNPC)

It is also proposed that we also set up a Permanent Supreme National Planning Council consisting of 10 or 15 eminent persons in fields like Economics, Finance Agriculture, Environment, Industry Education, Trade and Commerce, History and Culture of this country etc, to prepare the overall National Plan so that politicians will have only to implement national policies after they get elected.

This will be appointed by the President of the Republic on the recommendation and advice of the Jatika Rajya Sabha and the Supreme National Advisory Council

Every plan prepared by this Council has to be formally approved by the legislature and the President of the Republic in consultation with the Supreme National Advisory Council

1 A Strong Central Government  

 Executive President (to be called Lakisuru)   

The President of the Republic of Sinhale shall be elected by the people or by an electoral college as given below. He will be the Head of the State, the Government and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces

He shall be elected on a non-party basis by an Electoral College consisting of

Members of

1. a) Jatika Rajya Sabha (JRS)    National level
2. b) Ratasabha                                 Rata level
3. c) Disa Sabha (DS) District level
4. d) Upadisa Sabha  (US)                 Divisional level
5. e) Grama Sabha    (JS)                  village level

(as proposed to be newly set up)

Or directly by the people

It is proposed that TWO or THREE names of outstanding personalities shall be nominated as candidates by the Supreme National Advisory council to the Election commission so that people also could have a wide choice. Selection could be made on public nomination or application.

After nomination is made and the approval of the Supreme Advisory Council, the Election Commission will arrange for three Public debates over the TV to enable the people to select the best person

The aggregate of all votes received by a candidate should exceed 50 percent of the valid votes poled for him to be declared elected as the President.

Persons nominated for the post of President should be of unblemished character, over 40 years of age and who has rendered a distinguished service to the country in any field like Law, Politics, Administration, Academia, Science, Finance, Agriculture and Industry etc, Trade and Commerce and Culture or any other professional field. He should be a proven National Figure acceptable to all at Home as well as the International Community.

Only a Sinhalese Buddhist shall be nominated for this position. That was the inalienable tradition in this country throughout history.

His term of office shall be 5 years. He should not run for office for more than two consecutive terms unless the whole country wants him back.

Prime Minister ( Agramatya)

An Electoral College consisting of the 15 Chairmen of the 15 Executive Committees as stated below will elect the most suitable person among them as the Prime Minister. He shall be formally appointed as the Prime Minister by the President of the Republic thereafter, with the concurrence of the Supreme National Advisory Council. The Prime Minister shall be in charge of the subjects of National Security, External Affairs.

The President will preside over the Amatya Mandalaya (Cabinet)

The Jatika Rajya Sabha (JRS)

(Rajya Sabha (Parliament) shall consists of The President, Pahala Mantrana Sabha  (PMS) and  Uttara Mantrana Sabha (UMS)

Rajya Sabha consisting of the two Houses shall be the supreme Legislative body in the country. Its legislative power is in-alienable.

The PMS It will have 151 Members (140 elected to represent the 28 Districts at 5 Members per District and another 11 nominated to represent unrepresented sections of the society Eg, Communities and professionals.The 28 Districts to be set up under the Tun Rata Sabha system as given below).

The 11 nominated members will be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister with the concurrence of the Supreme National Advisory Council.

The Jatika Rajya Sabha  will get the Speaker elected at its first meeting

When one member gets elected as the Speaker the balance 150 will form in to 15 Executive Committees. Each Committee will then elect one member as its Chairman and another as Deputy Chairman.

Where a Committee is unable to elect its Chairman the President, in consultation with the Speaker of the House will nominate a Member from among the members of that Committees to be Chairman

 Uttara Mantarana Sabha,UMS (Senate)

There shall be a Senate of 36 members; 28 elected representing the 28 districts, and 8  nominated to represent eminent persons who have rendered a distinguished service to the nation  in different fields  such as Politics, Administration, Finance,, Science, Education, Arts and Literature, Business & Commerce and Agriculture or any other field..

The 28 Senators be elected by each District at the General Election conducted for the election of Rajya Sabha and Rata Sabha Members by introducing a separate ballet paper giving three names for each District to be elected as Senators.

The nomination for the Senate should be for the whole District and not for an electorate as in the case of a JRS Or Rata Sabha (RS) Member. The one who gets the highest number of votes will be declared the Senator for that District as there is only one place for a District in the senate

Qualifications for one to be nominated and the process of selection and election will be the same as for a Member of the Jatika Rajya Sabha or Rata Sabha

Sabha Nayaka ( Kathanayaka or Sabha Nayaka Pahala  Mantrana Sabha ((Speaker), Deputy and the Executive committees)

At the first meeting of the new Jatika Rajya Sabhait will elect the Speaker, the Deputy, the Committees and the Chairmen of Committees at its first meeting after the conclusion of the General Election

The President will appoint the Chairmen of Executive Committees of the Jatika Raj Sabha as Ministers. Other Ministers other than the Minister of justice, the President will appoint from among other members of the Jatika Rajya Sabha. But he cannot remove any Minister or a Deputy unless a given Committee makes such formal request in writing from him for reasons such as misconduct, insolvency, failure to perform his duties due to illness, misbehavior, breach of trust or finding guilty by a court of law etc

This will remove the arbitrary powers of the President in appointing and removing Ministers and Deputies at his will to suit his private agenda like a despot, as it is done today and make the process more democratic and also allow the Ministers to work independently as representatives of the people answerable to them instead of the President. Under the present system not only the Ministers and Deputies but all MPP and even the organizers have become virtual hostages in the hands of the President or Party Leader. So much so it has boiled down to a one man show- a virtual dictatorship. The proposed arrangement is expected to restore democracy and Yahapalanaya in its true sense once again in this country unlike today.

Term of office of Jatka Rajya Sabha should be 5 years starting on 1^st of May immediately following the General Election

 The Amatya Mandalaya (Cabinet)

There shall be an Amatya Mandalaya of 17 including the President of the Republic. All the Chairmen of the Committees will function as the Cabinet presided over by the President but the President shall not hold any other Ministry other than the Ministries of Defense and Buddhasasana. Of the 15 Ministers two shall be selected from the Uttara Mantri Mandalaya and one of them shall be the Minister of Justice. The other, to fill the vacancy created by the one who get appointed as the PM. The 15 Committees will be named on a functional basis like Agriculture, Industries, Finance & Public Administration & Home Affairs, Justice, Health and social Service, Education, Lands and Irrigation, Trade and commerce, Public Works, Cultural Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Defense, Shipping and Aviation, Telecommunications, Information & Media etc. Only functionally related subjects should be allocated to each ministry.

Machinery of Governance

The present system of Government departments, corporations and statutory bodies will continue to function after scrapping all superficial and redundant ones to maintain economy of governance. Subjects like Law and order, National Security and defense, Foreign Affairs, External trade, Fiscal and Monetary policy, National Planning and all other National level policies like Agriculture, Industries, Health, Education shall be handled by the Central Government.

Sovereignty

Sovereignty of the people will rest with the people and it will be exercised by The President, Rajya Sabha and the Judiciary, and by the People at a referendum. The legislative powers of the Rajya Sabha shall be in-alienable

Government will execute its policies and Programmes at different levels through central government Departments, Disa Lekam Karyala (District Secretariats), Upadisapathi Karyala (Divisional Secretariats) and Grampati Karyala  and Rata Sabhas, Disa Sabhas, Upadisa Sabhas and Grama Sabha and Nagara Sabhas  at each level as people’s Councils dealing with Governance.

The Central government Officials at each level will function as the ex-officio Secretaries of the local Government institution. For example the District Secretary of a District will be the Secretary of the District Council. Same principle will apply at Divisional, and Village level as well, ending up with the Grama Seva Niladhari becoming the Secretary to the Grama Sabha at the village level.

The Head of the District Secretariat should be named as District Secretary and Disapathi. The anachronistic colonial term GA should be scrapped immediately as they have ceased to be the Agents of any government long ago and today they are only Public Servants and as it also carries the stigma of colonial administration. Similarly the designation of the GS should also be changed as Gampathi/Grama Lekam

All these Government Institutions and Councils must be administered by professional Public Servants recruited through open competitive examinations only where meritocracy shall be the hallmark.

The Sabhas should be headed by elected representatives as Chairmen. This arrangement will enhance the sovereignty of the people while at the Same time strengthening independence and quality and efficiency of delivery of services by State officers at the same time.

However powers and functions of each of these officers and Chairmen should be clearly defined and laid down to avoid clash of interests and ensure smoothness in public Service.

Election of Members to Jatika Rajya Sabha, Rata Sabhas, Disa Sabhas, Upa disa Sabha, Grama Sabhas. (The present Palath Sabha and Pradesiya Sabha system will be scrapped with this reorganization)

This will be done on an electoral basis as decided by the Election Commissioner General who will also function as the Chairman of the National Election Commission.

Qualifications to be a politician

The selection as well as election of persons under this system will depend solely on the overall quality such as education, character and proven capacity, ability and commitment to serve the people.

Selection and Election of Members to the Jatika Rajya Sabha and other Sabhas

Candidates at different levels shall be first selected by the respective Councils on public consensus by Nomination or application, from among qualified and distinguished persons permanently resident within such electorates. (They also can hold a primary election to selectees). They will be elected on a non-party basis as there will be no parties in this system, on the first past post basis on and electoral basis thereafter. The simple criterion for selection shall be all-round suitability to hold public position. (Such qualifications have to be worked out)

Since Elections to JRS, UMS and Rata Sabha are conducted at District level for the purpose of electing them, the District Council will submit two separate lists

One for the 3 names for each electorate, for the JRS and Rata Sabhas candidates from among  whom the voters of the respective electorate will elect two. 1 for the JRS and the other for the Rata Sabha.

The other list of 3 names for the UMS for the whole Disava so that voters will have a wider choice.

Only persons with permanent residence within the electorate/District as the case may be are qualified to be nominated for any given electorate.

The persons who come first in each electorate will go to the Jatika Rajya Sabha and one who comes second to the Rata Sabha.

In the case of the UMS list the one who gets the highest number of votes get elected

At the conclusion of the Election the Commissioner of Election will announce the list of Jatika Rajya Sabha. UMS and Rata Sabha Members accordingly.

The timing of elections should be logically arranged in a sequential manner to ensure there is no disruption of public life in the country and smooth governance is maintained)

 2 Local Government

This will be a Five- tired structure

1 Grama Sabha –               Grama Seva Level

*Referring to Sinhalese Village Council system even J. F. Dixon, one of the most renowned British Civil Servants, GA of CP in his Annual Administrative Report of 1872 has described the Village Council system that was there before 1815 in this country as ‘a remarkable system of self government which under native rule was so strikingly developed in the Village Communities of the East’ He said so after reintroducing the system in the Central Province, they abolished in the wake of 1818 Independent Struggle. Korale level we can have the old Gamsabha for the purpose of deciding petty disputes at village level under the M/Justice to replace present Sama Mandala). I strongly recommend we should revive and re-establish this system at the grass root level as early as possible as a mechanism to effectively deal with village level problems. (Setting up of people’s committees consisting of 5 village elders including the village monk, GS, village School master and three other elders is suggested to deal with petty village disputes to promote harmony and  peace at each village level. I have experimented this system very successfully in 1966-1971 at Uda Dumbara when I was DRO and it proved a wonderful success in solving village level problems with no cost to poor villagers and also saving their time and money, to engage in their day to day work without resorting to cumbersome litigations)

2 Upa Disa Sabbha  – Divisional Secretary’s level

3 Disa Sabha  –          District Level

4 Rata Sabha              Regional level

5 Jatika Rajya Sabha  (JRS) National level

In addition we will have

Nagara Sabha (Town Councils) and Mahanagara Sabha  (Municipal Councils) as local Government for urban centers.

The present system of TCC (Nagara Sabha) and MCC (Mahanagara Sabha)  will continue with suitable representations in the District and Rata Sabhas.

Election of Members of Disa Sabha (District Councils), Upadisa Sabha (Divisional Councils) Grama Sabha  to be conducted as follows.

We start here with the Grama Sabha

Grama Sabha at GS Divisions Level

There will be a Grama Sabha for each GS Division consisting all above 18 years in the village are qualified for membership and it will function as a voluntary association of the village like a Grama Sanwardhana Samitiya. A Grama sabha   will have an elected Council of 15 members elected by the residents of the Gramaseva Division.

A separate Committee under each councilor, comprising all villagers over 18 years of age will be set up at this level as well. Each such Committee will be directly linked to the 15 Executive committees at the centre and the periphery.

The Grama Sabha  will be elected for a period of five years by the voters of the Grama Seva Division at a Grama Sabha  meeting summoned and presided over by the GS.

The GS while holding Office will function as the Secretary of the Sabha as well.

The Village Monk, the Grama Seva Niladhari and the Village School Master will function in an advisory capacity.

The outgoing Grama Sabha at its last meeting at the expiry of its term of office   should select the list of candidates for the next council and submit to the Grama Sabha for the next election.

At the conclusion of the election the Council at its first meeting presided over by the GS   they will elect the Chairmen of Committees and then elect one of them as the President/ Chairman of the Sabha.

For this Council to function smoothly with authority and in line with the national system the name GS should be replaced with the new term Gampathi/ Grama Lekam. The GS system has to be fully reorganized and re-structured   (including the scheme of recruitment, educational qualifications and salaries etc) to meet the demands of this new situation

The Chairman of the Grama Sabha will represent the Grama Seva Division at the  Upa Disa Sabha

 Upa Disa Sabha

The  Upa Disa Sabha (Divisional Council) will consist of the Chairmen of the Gamsabhas. At its first meeting will elect the Chairman at a meeting presided over by the Pradesiya Lekam /Divisiona Secretary at the Divisional Secretariat.  The Chairmen and Secretary of the Upa Disa Sabha (Divisional Councils) will represent the Division at the District Council.

 Disa Sabha

All Upa Disa Sabha (Divisional Councils) Chairmen and Secretaries will go to form the Disa Sabha at the Disa Level/District level. The D/Sabha will elect the Chairman and the Deputy at it’s first meeting at the District Secretariat presided over by the Disapathi/District Secretary). The main functions of the DS will be coordination and supervision of Govt work at the District level. If necessary you can have subcommittees at this level for areas such as Agriculture, Industry and other development work

Rata Sabhas

The Chairmen of the nine (9) Disa Sabhas in each Disava (District) will also represent their Districts at the Rata Sabha, in addition to the 40, elected at the General election. In addition to this the representatives of the Mahanagara and Nagara Sabha will also represent their Sabhas in the respective  Rata Sabhas

This scheme is expected to drastically reduce the number of parasitic politicians, excess public servants and enormous public expenditure and improve coordination and efficiency of delivery of services to people. The Government Officials like the Disapathi, Upa Disapathi and Gampathi will represent the interest of the Central Government and the elected Chairmen will represent the people’s interest at these respective levels. Both will work together to deliver the services to the people but at the same time each will   act as a device of check and balance on the other to ensure the best service to the people.

(Details of powers and functions of each of these Sabhas, their officials, inter Sabha relations etc have to be worked out in detail as the above is only an outline of the proposal)

(I request you to read this along with my note on the Sinhalaye Avadi Sabha Concept)

Elections to all Positions at all levels except for the post of President of the Republic shall be conducted as follows according to a fixed time schedule to avoid overlapping and smooth operation of the Sabhas.

Day one

• Grama Sabha, TCC and MCC

Day Two

• Upadisa Sabha within one week after the day one

Day Three

• Disa Sabha, within one week after the day Two

The election process described here will have no opposing propaganda meetings, no posters and cut outs or banners, no murders, no public demonstrations, no wastage of time, no disruption of public Services or any other Service and the cost will also  be minimum, perhaps the country want even feel. However after selection the selected candidates can have joint a maximum of 3 meetings to enable the electors to have the best choice. That money also could be used for the welfare of the people. There will also be no soliciting, back biting, bribing and infighting and above all politics in this country will, once and for all, cease to be a plundering business and get transformed in to a sacred mission  of service to man, I hope.

Finally, I appeal you all Patriotic people to go back to the following traditional Geopolitical system to achieve our targets of building a stable, strong, peaceful and prosperous country.

The Tun Rata: Ruhunu, Pihiti and Maya (Tun Hele)

 Devolution and decentralization of power to the periphery

The whole Island and its territorial waters will be divided in to three Regions (Prantha) to be named ‘Ratasabha’; viz Ruhunu, Pihiti and Maya keeping with the age old tradition that had been there in this country from 427 BC to 1815 AD. (no other country in the world has had an uninterrupted geopolitical system for such a long time like this)

This is how Mahavamsa narrates the demarcation of village boundaries by Pandukabhaya in 427 BC.

Dasavassabhisitto so – gamasiima nivesayi

Lakadeepamhi sakale – Lankindo Pandukabhayo’    (MV.X.103).

(King Pandukabhaya attained the throne in 437 BC).

(This demarcation of village boundaries was later incorporated in to the Tun-Sinhale map which continued until 1815 with minor boundary changes, the last being the Udarata Rajadhaniya (Kandyan Kingdom) with its capital in Senkadagala Pura (Kandy) extending up to the sea right round the Island including the Rjarata, part of Malaya Rata and Ruhun Rata excepting a narrow coastal belts occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and British successively, more particularly in the South Western littorals.

It must be noted with precision that the Sinhale or Ceylon as the British called it, when it was handed over to us to be governed as a dominion under the Ceylon Independence Act 1947 within the British Commonwealth of Nations (10^th Dec 1947) included the whole Island. The only part of the ancient Sinhale territory that was not handed back to us was the Maldives Islands, which the British retained as one of their protectorates under clause 2 Part 1 of the said order until 26^th July 1965 and declared it as a separate country. Besides failing to claim for Maldives our politicians could not get restored even the very name of this country-Sinhale” ceded to them in 1815. They also failed to send out nearly 1 million South Indian coolies like what Burma did in 1947. Today they occupy nearly 13 lahks acres of our Motherland on the hills right at the centre of the country where the present government has now taken steps to establish  a Malayanadu for these Indian Tamils thereby betraying the sons of the soil who owned it from the dawn of history.

It is in this backdrop the following proposal is made with the best of intentions with a view to rescuing the country from the present tragic situation by bringing all communities together as one nation. In order to achieve this noble goal, it is suggested that we go back to the re-establishment of the ancient Thri-Sinhale with boundaries as shown in this map. This division will ensure equitable distribution of resources, both physical and human, among the three units (land, water, coast line and even people), restore ethnic reconciliation and firmly establish a permanent geopolitical framework that will, once and for all, put an end to the present political and ethnic crisis and lay the foundation for re-building a strong and vibrant nation state.

Above all it will, will enable us to get rid of the curse of the British Provincial System imposed on us in 1833 along with the Huniyama that is Palalth Sabha thrust on us by force by India in 1987.

This I am confident will provide the golden key to National, Regional, Divisional and Village level development in this country.

The following map shows the proposed Tun Rata Divisions, 27 Districts and the Capital District.

The 3 Rata Sabhas shall be re-established accordingly. I have used Mahaweli, Walawe and Deduru Oya as their boundaries. But boundary changes could be altered after factors like population; area and ethnicity are carefully studied in detail before we finally decide on the boundaries to avoid future ethnic segregation. The need to not to disturb the overall historic ethnic composition, needed to avoid communal segregation, as a safeguard to territorial integrity etc to be born in mind, when demarcating these boundaries has to be stressed.  The boundaries of the proposed geopolitical division will extend from top to the sea coast. These three Rata Sabhas will be the main arms of the government in the Regions in implementing Government policies and Programmes in the periphery.

Each Rata Sabha will be divided in to nine Districts totaling to twenty seven (27) for the whole country. The 28^thDistrict where the Capital will be located shall be named as a special District (Capital District- This could be Mahanuwara or Anuradhapura) with special arrangements to represent it in the Jatika Rajya Sabha and the Uttara Mantrana Sabha. Within this geopolitical demarcation one has to give up all divisive dreams like Tamil or Muslim autonomy. Everybody has to think in terms of one nation and one country.

Each District will be demarcated in to five electorates using population and area as the criteria

Map Sudath Gunasekara 2004

Each District will again be divided in to five electorates making provision for 10 MPP vize: 5 for the JRS and 5 for the Rata Sabha.

The Three Ratasabhas will also have 151 Members; 140 elected, 9 Disa Reps and and 2 distinguished persons nominated to represent unrepresented or under-represented sectors from the whole Rata Sabha area

Each Rata Sabha area Will also send 28 elected  Members to the Senate, one for each Disava

Members to Jatika Rajaya Sabha and Rata Sabha

Each District Council will nominate fifteen15 names at 3 per electorate names of outstanding persons from among whom the voters will elect five to represent them in the Rajaya Sabha and five to the Rata Sabbha. The five members who come first will go to the Rajya Sabha and those who come second will go to the Rata Sabha. All these Members should he permanent residents at least for 5 years within that electorate for which his/her name is proposed and their term of office is 5 years.

The members of the Rata Sabha at their first meeting will elect the Chairmen and Deputy of the Rata Sabha and also the Chairmen and Deputies of the 15 Committees. The Chairmen and Deputies of Committees in turn elect the Chief Minister and the Chairman of each Committee will be designated as a Minister of the Rata Sabha. The Chief Minister will be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Governor in consultation with the religious dignitaries of the Rata area. The other Ministers will be appointed by the Governor in consultation with the Chief Minister and religious dignitoreies of the Rata.

A Governor appointed by the President in consultation with the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister and the Religious Dignitaries of the Rata will function as the chief executive of the Rata Sabha.. The Rata Sabha will nominate three (3) other names to the President from among persons who have rendered a distinguished service to the country or the Rata Sabha area who have permanent residence within that Rata Sabha area to be appointed as Governor

There will be a Council of Ministers consisting 15 members presided over by a Chief Minister who will again be appointed by the President in consultation with the Prime Minister who will make his recommendations after consulting the MPP of Jatika Rajya Sabha representing the particular Rata Sabha area and Rata Sabha Members of the relevant Rata Sabha and the Religious Dignitaries of the area.

The Chief Minister will be in charge of the Ministry of Finance and Public Administration in addition to any other subject as decided by the central government

The term of office of all members other than the Governor who will remain in office until the new Sabha takes office after swearing in will be 5 years

Other than the President of the Republic all other elected Members and Governors should be permanent residents of the electorate or the Rata Sabha for which he/she seeks election or appointment to qualify to be elected or appointed to such posts. No person from an outside shall be appointed or nomination given.

But any person resident in any part of the country could be nominated for the post of President provided he has the necessary qualifications stipulated in the Constitution.

The Governor should be eligible for reappointment on the recommendation of the new Council of Ministers of the Rata Sabha in consultation with the Members of the Rata Sabha and religious dignitaries of the area.

Constitutional provisions shall be made to provide for the recall of any elected member in case of his or her failure t fulfill the task assigned as a representative of the Public.

(Since the PM is included within 225 and 151 he is not added to the total)

The 3 Rata Sabhas (Ruhunu, Pihiti and Maya) under this system will have 3 Governors and 3 Chief Ministers and 151 Ratasabha Members (including the CM), instead of 9 Governors, 9 Chief Ministers, and 638 odd parasitic Provincial Councilors?

This will  save more than Rs 600 Billion annually currently wasted just to upkeep Provincial Councilors, their kith and kin and this monstrous and wasteful system for nothing (absolutely brings no benefit to the country) that takes the country and the nation down the Gadarene slope for total disaster and bankruptcy, that could be gainfully used for the development of the country,?

All development work at each level will be done by the respective Councils and Government Departments. But intra-Divisional and Intra District and Intra-Rata Sabha project will be handled by the central Government. But no local work should be done by outsiders without the concurrence of the respective Councils. The central Government in this case will only facilitate the work with funds, technical knowhow etc. This will ensure self rule for the local people.

All elected people other than the President of the Janarajaya should have permanent residence within the electorate which they represent. However, the nominees for the post of President could be from anywhere in the Island.

Planning for the grass root level under this system will start at the Grama Sabha (Village Council) level

No politician or public servant, either directly or indirectly shall be allowed to engage in contracts with the Government at any level.

The Provinces, Provincial Councils, and the existing Pradesiya Sabha will be abolished under this system immediately.

I also suggest that we implement the recommendations given in my Siya Panatha (100) to make the new system more effective and meaningful

The proposed Tun Rata Model will benefit the country in the following manner.

The proposal will,

1 Remove the Provinces introduced by the British in 1833 to divide and rule this Island and also the Indian imposed Provincial Council System and the 13^th Amendment embraced by JR firstly to the North and East for his survival and rest of the country for dirty political maneuvering when no one asked for it in these regions.

2 Firmly establish a sound, strong and sustainable geopolitical framework that will consolidate the political map of the Island that conforms to geographical, regional, and cultural differences and lays the foundation for re-building a strong and vibrant nation state.

3   Provide a framework for maximum decentralization  of administrative powers to the periphery that will bring about better democracy to the people and ensure balanced and contented development in the regions.

• Stop ethnic segregation and polarization and promote ethnic and regional harmony and reconciliation that leads to national integration. It will also put an end to all agitations for separate and independent Tamil and Muslim political entities and induce them to think and behave as full citizens of this country without having allegiance to India, Arab world or leave for any Land of Promise.
• Result the drastic reduction in expenditure on Provincial Council Councils and Pradesiya Sabhas white elephant and reduce the number of politicians and superficial politico-administrative institutions and so-called public servants to a workable and economic minimum that suits the country, thereby saving billions annually wasted at present to maintain a ceremonial, corrupt and wasteful system

6 Drastically cut down the Government expenditure and make available more funds for national development that will improve the standards of living of the common people.

7 Put an end to colonial administrative and political legacies that nurtured ethnic polarization and colonial servility, their divide and rule policy that seriously hampered the forward march of the post-independent Sri Lanka and open up new vistas for a united and prosperous new Lanka.

8   Ensure fair and equitable distribution of resources both natural and human among the regions        and promote maximum and balanced regional development.

9 Provides a political framework where all people will begin to think firstly, as members of a Rata (Ruhunu, Pihiti or Maya), and secondly, as one nation instead of the present tendency of thinking as Sinhalese (Low country and Kandyans), Tamils or Muslims etc.

10 Restore the lost core historical, political, cultural and economic heritage of the people of this Island nation and lay the foundation for future political stability and socio-economic prosperity.

11 Put an end to the curse of provinces that were designed by the British to divide and dis-integrate this country on ethnic grounds and the Provinces and Provincial Councils forced on us by British and India to achieve their sinister   objective of creating a Tamilnadu within this country.

12 Prevent the formation of the Malayanadu in Central Sri Lanka will get divided between the Tun Rata and EELAM in the North and East as it will get divided between Rajarata and Ruhuna

13 This system will do away with political rivalries and wastage of time, money and election related crimes and bring about a system of government of our own keeping with the age old traditions of the country.

14 Drastically reduce political and administrative positions and Institutions and overheads.  Therefore it will result in drastic reduction of Government expenditure on salaries, vehicles, buildings and Elections etc

15 Remove dictatorial powers and immunity of the President and empower people with decision making power down to the very grass root level and make their sovereignty meaningful.

16 Will result in the devolution of power to the grass root level and people will share the power of governance making it fully democratic.

17 The number of Ministers and Ministries at the centre will get reduced to sixteen

18 Party politics will disappear from Trade Unions, Universities and government offices thereby millions of man hours lost per day on demonstration etc could be used for nation building.

19It will mark the formation of a government by the people, for the people and of the people. Every citizen under this system will feel proud that he is also a part of the Government.

20 It will mark the dawn of new era in democracy in practice and might become a model for all countries that have become victims of colonial exploitation and western systems of government utterly inappropriate to their native environments.

21 This will end the present system of Government by the politicians, for the politicians and of the politicians, their families and cronies” and instead we will have a Home grown system of self Government by the people, for the people and of the people”

22 This system of government is expected to guarantee governance in accordance with Dasarajadharma and enthrone the principle of ‘Bahujana sukhaya Bahujana hitaya” preached by the Buddha.

23 The new system of Government will also be based on the principle where the Wheel of Power will revolve on the Wheel of Dhamma and where Dhamma will form the solid Foundation of Governance.

24 It will mark the dawn of an era of new political culture leading the way to a ”civilization’ State as Martin Jaque has described in his book ‘When China Rules the world’’.

25 Finally the whole country will begin to move forward with one national policy

26 There will a closer relationship between the representatives and voters

27 No politician will be able to run away from responsibility firstly as they have become local people who have amoral obligation to the people and secondly as they could be recalled by the people

28 All institutions will have politicians who are compelled to do what the people want and none will be able to deceive and rob the people and do what they want.

29 The word political victimization will never be heard in this country thereafter as there are no political parties

30 There want be any claim for devolution as maximum power will be decentralized up to the village level under this system for people to take their decisions within the framework of broad National Policies.

31 With an Independent and strong Judiciary and Public   Service;  a New Political Culture in Sri Lanka and A new approach to Good Governance, all this you can expect under this system

32 Finally political, socio-economic, ethnic and regional conflicts will hopefully come to an end

Proposed action Plan

It is suggested first we appoint a panel of experts to finalize this document. It would be very useful to have public sittings on a District wise basis to get public participation before the preparation of the final Report on which we should base the Charter 2017; Towards a New Political Culture in Tun Sinhale”

Thereafter we invite party leaders for a joint meeting and present our document. The group who accept our proposals and gives a definite written undertaking to implement our programme to the letter after they win the election, we will organize the whole country to support them. Just like what the Sinhala Buddhist patriotic people did in 1956, but with a difference, that is they cannot go back  on their promises like how they have been doing ever since 1948, with impunity. Besides acceding to our above requests  they also have to agree to accommodate 28 candidates recommended by us to represent the 28 Districts and agree to reserve a minimum of five important ministry positions and five Deputy Ministry positions to our movement.

After coming to power under the present Constitution they have to agree to promulgate the new Constitution as agreed within six months and dissolve the Government. Thereafter new Elections have to be held under the new Constitution and immediately begin to implement the new Constitution

Overall these are only some random thoughts that came to my mind. Details have to be worked out jointly by a panel of patriotic experts in each field like eminent persons well versed in Local Government, Constitutional Law,  Systems of government including our own traditional Sinhala system that was there from ancient times.

Dr. Sudath Gunasekara

21.Gemunu Mawatha, Hanthana Pedesa

Mahanuwara. 081 2232744—071 8075326