BY EDWARD THEOPHILUS

A republic model is suitable to adapt in large countries is the opinion of constitutional experts, and Sri Lanka which is a small country with few ethnic groups that is less than number of figures in a hand, would not be adapted and why some people promote a republic model for Sri Lanka is a question. This truth should be understood by all ethnic groups in the country to maintain the ethnic harmony in the country. Are there specific benefits to the country through a republic model, has been not been explained by any supporters of republic model. Some ethnic groups intend to have a constitution with republic style of power distribution among regional states and why such small states need at provincial level with unlimited power? When there is an opportunity to use state power distribution and control by a central government, such provincial power authorities with unlimited power would be created difficulties to work and why some people are crying for a republic model is difficult to understand. Many people have a concern that the cry behind for demanding a republic model is to procreate problems in the country.

If Sri Lanka is a country with extensive land area with many ethnic groups, a republic model is appropriate because, in a large country, the cost of management could be profitably used for developing the country.  Sri Lanka is a country with less than 70000 Sq Kilo meters and three ethnic groups in which people are distributed in the entire country would not serve the purpose of a republic model, and it might lead to more conflicts. The cost of management could profitably use in a unitary framework. The administration of the current regional councils shows that a wasting of public funds.  Corruptions have been increased by the provincial councils than the unitary system. When there is an obvious picture why some people want to pursue a republic model, the reason is obvious, because they want committing corruption and make profits out of provincial states.  

Day by day, each ethnic group wants manipulating problems that create difficulties to the management of the country. The origin of ethnic groups in the country could prove that they were together, and they worked together when there was a centralised strict administration.   This environment, the management of Sri Lanka requires like a single province, and the best administration model should be a unitary system, and the power for regional administration or municipalities should be increased by the constitution.

The current regional councils waste public money and promote corruption applying misusing public funds for various projects, it happens among all ethnic groups. If Sri Lanka managed as a centralised government with efficient municipalities, it supports to a rapid development process. After 1980s, the country would have a more advanced development than the current situation.

Addition to wasting funds, developing corruption, has become the third vicious problem in segregation of power under the 13^th amendment to the constitution after 1983 and it has been neglecting poor people in ethnic groups and providing opportunities to rich people, and powerful people to engage in corrupt bases. Large countries like India, China, and the USA could profitably use a republic model and many times Sri Lanka is smaller than a regional state of such a large country, and a republic model is not appropriate and the current requirement is making a centralised country integrating all regional councils.

Provincial council system has been promoting politics in rural villages and poor people pushed to difficulties. If there was a central system, public servants who are distance from politics would work giving equal benefits to all and the provincial council system was selective, offering services and benefits based on political interest. If there will be a republic model, this situation will be worsened and the entire country will be gone to six.