As
suggestions. This is set out explicitly in paragraphs 69-70. several of my Unofficial colleagues will be speaking this afternoon, I shall touch briefly on a few key issues of contention.
Direct vs Indirect Election
Powerful arguments have been put forward in favour of direct election. I share the view that when the time is ripe,
direct election should be adopted. This is perhaps the most
But common way of achieving a fully responsible Government. bearing in mind the main objectives of the Green Paper and the need to introduce reform progressively, I am in favour of indirect election in the initial stages of constitutional reform though this has its own limitations. In saying this, I have taken into account the existing state of political maturity in our community. Perhaps in electing District Board members, the electorate should be asked to bear in mind that they are also
This electing potential Legislative and Executive Councillors. may induce them to set a higher standard in the selection of
suitable candidates.
Contrary to popular belief, direct election is not a magic panacea that would automatically result in a fully democratic and responsible Government. Much depends on several factors, one of which relates to the quality, experience, dedication, impartiality and political conviction of those in
power.
It has been said that the constitutional process of evolution undergone by Ceylon is valid for other British colonies, with variations according to the particular conditions of each territory. It may be of interest to Members to study the
2 stages of evolution which took place in Ceylon before independence in 1947. A table setting out the stages of
evolution is annexed to the printed version of this speech for Members' easy reference.