தவறவிடாதீர்கள்..!உடனே பதிவு செய்யுங்கள்

BY M. MANOCHITRA

Prominent President's Counsel Saliya Pieris warned that governments sweeping into power with absolute parliamentary majorities have historically posed the greatest threats to Sri Lanka's democratic framework and state institutions.

Addressing a book launch in Colombo on Thursday, Pieris noted that even when a government is chosen through free and fair elections, allowing its power to be exercised arbitrarily without checks and balances presents a grave danger to democracy. He remarked that citizens sometimes face the unfortunate irony of having to protect democracy from the very leaders they voted into office.

He explained that voters often trust new leaders implicitly, assuming that their good intentions will prevent the abuse of power. However, he noted that this exact complacency has paved the way for the collapse of democracies worldwide.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka's history, Pieris stated that administrations armed with overwhelming majorities are highly susceptible to making critical errors, as unchecked authority often drives them toward overreach. He reminded the public that an electoral mandate is not a "blank check" to act without restraint.

He stressed that a robust constitution is essential for any nation, ensuring that regardless of how popular or powerful a government may be, its actions remain tightly bound by the rule of law.