What the Galle Face protest, which is the face of the “aragalaya” (struggle), has achieved four months after it began is the subject of fierce debate. It overthrew a President, a Prime Minister, and a Government, who it claimed were responsible for the prevailing economic crisis; however, there is a lot more it seeks to achieve, and those who are part of the “aragalaya” are determined to continue the momentum.
As part of this endeavour, protestors of the “aragalaya” have declared today (9) a national day of protest (“jathika virodatha dinaya”), and as The Morning reported, groups of people are slated to gather in their respective cities and regions, demanding that the Government abolishes the state of emergency, the emergency law, and the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as amended (PTA), and that it releases all protestors who have been arrested.
This announcement comes in a context where the Galle Face protestors are facing massive backlash, in the form of both lawful and unlawful actions, from the law enforcement authorities. One fact that was highlighted as the law enforcement authorities commenced a spree of arrests of protestors, and also intimidation and the monitoring of protesters, which clearly amounts to a State-backed crackdown, was that although the “aragalaya” at the Galle Face shrank, it did not die, and instead, merely changed appearance. The series of protests scheduled for today is proof that the “aragalaya” has gone beyond the Galle Face.
As the number of protestors at the Galle Face declined, more anti-Government and anti-system protestors appeared in various other places such as at discussion tables, the media, political rallies, trade union activities, and protest marches in various parts of the country. Even though the “aragalaya” initially appeared to merely be a protest against the Government and the President, with no idea about what changes should follow the overthrowing of the Government and/or the President, the “aragalaya” has gradually led to more out-of-street battles against the existing Government and the political system.
Even though it is too early to assume what this new form of “aragalaya” will lead to, many now realise that although amidst a certain uncertainty, the “aragalaya” has achieved another victory in planting the seeds of a public movement that is not limited to Galle Face. As prominent members of the Galle Face protests opined as the Government’s disgraceful crackdown became apparent, it is high time that all citizens understand their role in keeping the “aragalaya” alive, because its ultimate aims have not been achieved yet. They also asked the general public not to be complacent, because the removal of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was merely one demand to pave the way for the actual change that the country needs, which is yet to be achieved.
The Galle Face protests have been weakened greatly, and may soon cease to exist. However, it was a message that taking a stand against the undemocratic conduct of any government should be not only a leaderless, public movement, but also a timeless, tireless one. Even after the main demands of the “aragalaya” are met, it should continue. Denouncing what is wrong in the Government, public or private sector, or in general society, should be an ongoing struggle. It does not necessarily have to continue in the form of protests on roads, or in front of Ministers’ houses; it could be as simple as teaching a child as to why they should see politicians as mere representatives of the public who should be answerable to the citizens.
It is necessary for the “aragalaya” to continue in this form, because there will always be politicians who forget their duty and responsibility once they are in power. An ongoing “aragalaya” will not only create more citizens who are aware that opposing what is wrong is a right and a responsibility, but will also keep reminding politicians that there is an ongoing public movement that is determined to achieve immediate and long-term change to hold politicians accountable. Most importantly, such an “aragalaya” will be unassailable, because it is not limited to a group of people protesting in one place.
Sri Lankans should understand that merely because the Galle Face protests are gradually concluding, the peaceful “aragalaya” is not over. It was a wake-up call for a long-term, genuine public movement; the struggle has only just begun.Far beyond Galle Face
09 Aug 2022
Far beyond Galle Face
09 Aug 2022
What the Galle Face protest, which is the face of the “aragalaya” (struggle), has achieved four months after it began is the subject of fierce debate. It overthrew a President, a Prime Minister, and a Government, who it claimed were responsible for the prevailing economic crisis; however, there is a lot more it seeks to achieve, and those who are part of the “aragalaya” are determined to continue the momentum.
As part of this endeavour, protestors of the “aragalaya” have declared today (9) a national day of protest (“jathika virodatha dinaya”), and as The Morning reported, groups of people are slated to gather in their respective cities and regions, demanding that the Government abolishes the state of emergency, the emergency law, and the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as amended (PTA), and that it releases all protestors who have been arrested.
This announcement comes in a context where the Galle Face protestors are facing massive backlash, in the form of both lawful and unlawful actions, from the law enforcement authorities. One fact that was highlighted as the law enforcement authorities commenced a spree of arrests of protestors, and also intimidation and the monitoring of protesters, which clearly amounts to a State-backed crackdown, was that although the “aragalaya” at the Galle Face shrank, it did not die, and instead, merely changed appearance. The series of protests scheduled for today is proof that the “aragalaya” has gone beyond the Galle Face.
As the number of protestors at the Galle Face declined, more anti-Government and anti-system protestors appeared in various other places such as at discussion tables, the media, political rallies, trade union activities, and protest marches in various parts of the country. Even though the “aragalaya” initially appeared to merely be a protest against the Government and the President, with no idea about what changes should follow the overthrowing of the Government and/or the President, the “aragalaya” has gradually led to more out-of-street battles against the existing Government and the political system.
Even though it is too early to assume what this new form of “aragalaya” will lead to, many now realise that although amidst a certain uncertainty, the “aragalaya” has achieved another victory in planting the seeds of a public movement that is not limited to Galle Face. As prominent members of the Galle Face protests opined as the Government’s disgraceful crackdown became apparent, it is high time that all citizens understand their role in keeping the “aragalaya” alive, because its ultimate aims have not been achieved yet. They also asked the general public not to be complacent, because the removal of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was merely one demand to pave the way for the actual change that the country needs, which is yet to be achieved.
The Galle Face protests have been weakened greatly, and may soon cease to exist. However, it was a message that taking a stand against the undemocratic conduct of any government should be not only a leaderless, public movement, but also a timeless, tireless one. Even after the main demands of the “aragalaya” are met, it should continue. Denouncing what is wrong in the Government, public or private sector, or in general society, should be an ongoing struggle. It does not necessarily have to continue in the form of protests on roads, or in front of Ministers’ houses; it could be as simple as teaching a child as to why they should see politicians as mere representatives of the public who should be answerable to the citizens.
It is necessary for the “aragalaya” to continue in this form, because there will always be politicians who forget their duty and responsibility once they are in power. An ongoing “aragalaya” will not only create more citizens who are aware that opposing what is wrong is a right and a responsibility, but will also keep reminding politicians that there is an ongoing public movement that is determined to achieve immediate and long-term change to hold politicians accountable. Most importantly, such an “aragalaya” will be unassailable, because it is not limited to a group of people protesting in one place.
Sri Lankans should understand that merely because the Galle Face protests are gradually concluding, the peaceful “aragalaya” is not over. It was a wake-up call for a long-term, genuine public movement; the struggle has only just begun.Kapruka
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Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!