"Are we willing to learn and adapt the UK parliamentary system?" - Ajith P. Perera

Colombo (News 1st): Non-Cabinet Minister Ajith P. Perera, while on tour in Britain, had posted a statement on Facebook, regarding democracy within political parties. Making a statement while in the UK parliament he noted that there are two main political parties in the UK, the Labor party and the Conservative party. He said the leaders of both parties are elected based on the votes cast by members of parliament and there are no owners or inheritors of the party. He pointed out that there is no system where the current leader chooses the future leader of his choice and though they speak high of democracy within Sri Lanka, there seems to be a reluctance to learn and accept globally accepted democracy practices. He questioned; "Is it that we are not aware in this regard. Or is it that we are aware of this, but chose to remain silent?" The non-cabinet minister noted that those who speak of the UK parliamentary system, or the Westminster system, refrain from speaking of internal democracy within the political parties. Perera said there must be internal democracy within the party, for the people to elect leaders as their representatives. He noted that to bring forward a proper candidate, they must have the people's mandate and it does not stop from thereafter the candidate wins, a transparent and ethical approach must be adapted when presenting the policies of the party. Perera noted that there is democracy within the political parties in the UK parliamentary system. He questioned; "Are we willing to learn and adapt such a system? Or not? The people must decide."