By Asthika Devendra
Due to the untenable situation that we, the citizens of Sri Lanka, have been brought to, by the Government of Sri Lanka, we stand united to ensure that our voices too are heard. We are several citizens’ groups, who have come together in an effort to support the people in any way we can, and to demand that the politicians, more fully the Parliamentarians, adhere to democratic principles and not to party lines, in order to choose a successor to the role of President. One who is able to appoint a multi-party interim group, bring in required experts and to do all they can, to get this country back on its feet as a matter of urgency.
In the past decades, the citizenry stood by, apathetic and quiet, in the face of all the injustices, incompetence, and mismanagement by governments. We have allowed a President and his Government to bring the country to bankruptcy, and the people to their knees, with unsustainable price hikes, unavailability of fuel, food, energy, etc. Citizens must now have our voices heard!
It is with grave concern that we watch the continued political posturing, bidding for votes, and greedy, selfish politicians grasping for their seat to remain in positions of power and self proclaimed privilege, and see that most have absolutely no concern for the people and their very real daily struggles. At least now, support someone to right the wrongs of the past.
Thus, we demand the current MPs to consider our views in electing the most suitable candidate for the post of President today (20).
- It must be kept in mind that in the Sri Lankan System of Governance, the Election of the President is unique and people voting as one electorate elect him/her and entrust upon them overwhelming powers. Thus, whoever is appointed in these circumstances does not have a mandate by the people to exercise the unique and overwhelming powers which comes with that position. Therefore, the President now appointed must be a person who exercises caution and restraint in performing their duties and enable the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Parliament-led Government to govern the country with or without Constitutional amendments
- While still urging the Parliament to select a President unanimously, it is our view, if failing to do so in this manner, the person who is elected must then unify the entire Parliament and most importantly elect a Prime Minister and Cabinet from all parties; it is our view it is the only way that the citizens and the international community will accept the Government and be able to assist the country in this time of need
- The person appointed must be a person who is acceptable to the citizens whose efforts have resulted in the previous Executive regime resigning. We must not go backwards.
- He has been rejected by the people of Sri Lanka on several occasions despite his long standing political career. He has been rejected by the people, even as an MP, in the last Parliamentary Elections
- When considering the above statement, we confirm that:
- He will not be acceptable to the citizens
- He will divide the Parliament and the country, thus, will not be acceptable to the international community
- Judging by past actions, we note that as he has not exercised caution, especially in imposing emergency laws and curfew, it is highly unlikely that he will act with restraint and caution in exercising powers of the Executive Presidency going forth
- It is also noted that he is seeking the support of the previous regime and thus it can be reasonably assumed that if he comes into power, it would be a continuation of the previous regime, which was rejected by the people
- We do not condone any violent protests, and think that it is quite likely that current protests and unrest in the country will prevail if he is elected