Q: Why are you here today?

A: We are here because we’ve formed what you would call a voluntary group of professionals – Direction Sri Lanka. Our aim is to give direction to whatever the present struggle involves because we know that the youth at Galle Face Green are carrying out a beautiful struggle for change.

What they’ve said is that we’ve had 74 years of bad politics and they want a change for the better. They want a unified Sri Lanka without divisions of race, creed or language. They want fairness; and they want to wipe out corruption.

So we thought that since the youth pursue their struggle, rather than let things slide – which could even lead to anarchy – we have to be responsible professionals even now as we’ve failed to be so over the years. So we have come forward to join hands [with them].

It started with many doctors and lawyers getting together, and working with the youth and asking them what they want – and trying to put down their thoughts in legal terms, to see how we can take certain proposals forward.

Direction Sri Lanka has already publicised its proposals in the media, on social media and on various other platforms. Basically, what they want is for the end of the present presidency – for the president to ‘go home,’ meaning vacate office.

They want an interim cabinet acceptable to all, which will help us tide over the economic crisis and provide urgent economic relief to the people who are suffering. They want a long-term goal of developing and changing the system, to ensure fair governance and equality for all with proper institutions, so there cannot be political interference; and to eradicate corruption overall.

As you will see from today’s march, professionals from many disciplines and varying ages have joined us to say ‘enough is enough.’ We want a radical change.

Q: Do you think the politicians are taking this seriously?

A: I would think they’re trying to show a bold face; and trying to say this is just a few people shouting. But it is really gaining momentum and I think they sense that it’s serious – but as usual, some of our politicians are trying to deny the voice of our people. They think that they can go on by not paying heed and sticking to their positions.

We hope that they will listen and realise that they’re not wanted; that they should quit and leave the country in peace, rather than be the people who create a state of anarchy and lawlessness.

And that is what we are aiming for: to avoid any lawlessness and anarchy, and to see that there is a peaceful change for the better.