Political Parties Must Prioritize National Interest Over Elections - CBK

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga criticized the current political climate, highlighting the irresponsibility of political parties and their focus on electoral gains over national interest.

Speaking on the need for political reform, she emphasized the importance of changing the political ethos to address the country's pressing issues.

"In this present situation where political parties are irresponsible, they do not think of the national interest, they think of what they can do at the next election whether they can win or not, even if they sabotage a very good programme of incumbent government they don't care," she said on Tuesday (25) in Colombo.

Kumaratunga pointed out that political parties often prioritize winning elections over supporting beneficial programs initiated by the incumbent government. She stressed that the political attitudes of leaders must change to ensure the passage of meaningful reforms in Parliament.

Reflecting on the impact of the Aragalaya movement, Kumaratunga noted that its powerful message has not been fully understood or embraced by traditional political parties. She expressed frustration with the existing systems, which she believes are failing the people, and called for the abolition of the executive presidency—a proposal that was previously rejected in Parliament.

Kumaratunga urged for the consolidation of various constitutional drafts to create a framework suitable for the present day. She emphasized that without a shift in the political attitudes of leaders and a transformation of the parliamentary landscape, significant reforms would remain unattainable.