The UNP, a major opposition party, and 5 political parties representing the minorities have raised their protest. Ranil Wickremasinghe, the Leader of the Opposition, states that the electoral reforms should not be placed before Parliament and passed, until a consensus is reached among all political parties.

The minority political parties such as Sri Lankan Muslim Congress, Ceylon Workers Congress, Tamil National Alliance, Up country Peoples’ Front, accuse that the haste shown in implementing the electoral reforms is with an ulterior motive to deprive the minority community of their rightful representation in Parliament.

Following the proportionate representation introduced by the former President J.R.Jayawardene, the small parties and parties representing the minority communities were able to get a substantial number of seats in Parliament. But the proposed electoral reforms could be prejudicial to the interests of the minority communities.

R.Sampanthan, the Leader of the Tamil national Alliance, states that the government seeks to get a political stability and a majority in the Parliament through electoral reforms.

Mr.Sampanthan further states that since no efforts have been made to effect far reaching changes in the constitution to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil people, their party is not at all interested in the electoral reforms. He also reiterates that the interest of the Muslims and the upcountry Tamils must be ensured through these reforms.

Sampanthan further charges that instead of finding unity in diversity, there are moves to increase numerical strength in Parliament.

Therefore, efforts must be made to establish good will among various communities in the country.

An English translation of the Editorial in Thinakkural, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo.

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