COLLECTIVE FOR REFORMS CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT TO RESPECT THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE
We, the undersigned members of civil society, note the election of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to the post of Executive President by Parliament through the accepted constitutional process. While congratulating him, we urge the President to note that all actions that would be taken by him and the Government in the immediate future, are critical to prevent our country from falling deeper into an economic and political abyss and save the lives of many vulnerable citizens who suffer immensely due to this man-made, preventable catastrophe that has engulfed the nation.
Violent ejection of peaceful protesters
As a collective that grouped at the height of the people’s struggle to ensure the Rule of Law, economic and political freedoms, following democratic values, we register our unequivocal, explicit protest at how peaceful protestors who had occupied the space in front of the Presidential Secretariat for 104 days clamoring for those freedoms and values were forcibly, inhumanly and violently ejected by the Police and Military at the dead of the night.
We demand an investigation on accountability for assaulting media personnel inclusive of foreign journalists, preventing ambulances and medical personnel from gaining immediate access to the site of the attacks, which has brought international opprobrium at a time when the country needs heavy loads of positive international admiration and assistance in all spheres. We further note that the IMF and EU have made their interventions conditional on the country following human rights norms and principles of accountability.
Interim Government and Cabinet of Ministers
The Collective is also dismayed by the appointment of a Cabinet of Ministers which contradicts all assurances given for a multiparty interim government since it is equivalent to the rejected government of the former President. Further, these appointments also demonstrate a blatant negation and disregard for the demands of the people, including that of the Aragalaya and many citizens’ groups such as our Collective, religious leaders, Trade Unions, Chambers, Professional Associations, etc to ensure that those appointed must have a clean track record, public trust, and the required basic expertise. In this regard, we urge the President to immediately negotiate with all political parties in the Parliament and appoint a smaller Cabinet of qualified, trustworthy Ministers, with clean track records.
We note with concern how constitutional loopholes are used to justify the latest happenings and we demand that the spirit of the law should not be violated based on the letter of the law. We urge the President to keep to his word and set this right by immediately establishing a multiparty Interim Government that meets the expectations of the people and restores the sovereignty of the People, followed by implementing an agreed Minimum Common Reforms Programme and actions for the recovery of the crisis-ridden Nation.
Accordingly, we call on the President and the government to:
1. Immediately form an All-party Interim Government with the support of the Opposition as agreed by the previous and incumbent Presidents and demanded by the people, civil society, and religious leaders;
2. Enact the 21st Amendment to ensure that the Parliament and Independent Commissions and state institutions are empowered to play a check and balance role in decision-making in the national interest;
3. Initiate the minimum Common Reforms Programme to uplift the economy and ensure access to basic necessities of life, support vulnerable sections and groups suffering due to the economic downturn, and strengthen transparency and accountability, to earn public trust;
4. Conduct free and fair elections within a specified short time frame for the Provinces (that are long overdue) and Parliament recognizing that it has lost its legitimacy and a Referendum on the abolition of the Executive Presidency.
5. Appoint a Committee of professionals (and not politicians) to advise the Interim Government’s Cabinet of Ministers as a novel institutional arrangement for which immediate legal provision must be made by the President and Government.
In the meantime, we as a civil society collectively representing many organizations and individuals and on our behalf also pledge support towards any potential contribution for genuine efforts for the execution of the above-mentioned essential work steps demanded by the people.
We hope that utmost importance is given to the development of plans to overcome the difficult economic challenges that face the country and our people in a democratic and consensual manner by an economic plan and strategy that addresses the needs of all sections of the population, especially the vulnerable groups, upholding democratic, transparent and accountable governance, peace, reconciliation, justice, and national unity.
Ven.Prof. Agalakada Sirisumana Thero ‐ Mahajana Sabhava
Rev. Bishop Asiri Perera
Rev. Fr. Anura L Perera ‐ Assembly of People
Rev. Fr. Noel Dias
Prof. Shyaama Banneheka ‐ University Teachers Association
Dr.Vinya Ariyaratne – President , Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement
Rohana Hettiarachchi ‐ PAFFREL
Upekshi Fernando ‐ March 12 Movement
Dr.Jehan Perera – Executive Director National Peace Council
Samadhani Kiriwandeniya – Sanasa Movement
Prasanna Elapatha – President, Sri Lanka Auditor Service Association
Udeni Dissanayake – Secretary, National Trade Union Front
Thamara Dayani Hettimullage – National Trade Union Front
Ravi Kumudesh – Association of Laboratory Technicians
Geoffrey Alagaratnam – Presidents Counsel‐ Direction Sri Lanka
Prof.Prasad Katulanda ‐ Direction Sri Lanka
Thilak Kariyawasam – Civil Society Collective
Nadeshanie Perera – Transparency International Sri Lanka
Saman Hamangoda – PALTRA
Sunil Jayasekara – National Movement for Social Justice
Nishantha Prethiraj – Deshodaya National Council
Chameera Dedduwage – Social Activist
Daya Herath – Mothers and Daughters of Sri Lanka
Visaka Dharmadasa, Association of War Affected Women
Austin Fernando – Former Secretary to the President
Eng. Mangala P. B. Yapa – Chartered Engineer
Prof. Somarthna Disanayake – Film Director
Christobel Saverimuttu – Co Chairperson PAFFREL
K.N.Deen – YMMA
Palitha Lihinikumara ‐ National Movement for Social Justice
Attorney at Law Javid Yusuf
Prof T Jayasingam
Dr Dayani Panagoda
Hilmy Ahamed