2022.07.14

To Leaders of all Political Parties and Honorable Members of Parliament

Let’s not adopt any divisive measures

Let’s elect the President and Prime Minister by consensus
The conduct  of some   public  representatives  indicates  that there are some who have still  not  realized  the severity  of the  present economic, political and social instability facing  Sri Lanka  and the  inalienable  obligation  they have,   as political party leaders and parliamentarians,  in  overcoming  this situation.

If we all do not work together at this moment, no one will be able to prevent you, the politicians, and us, the citizens, from plunging into a catastrophic disaster. Whoever will be elected to the power to govern the country in the future, will certainly be compelled to make unpopular decisions, and even we, the citizens too, will have to make great sacrifices though we are not directly responsible for this adversity.

Therefore, we kindly request all of you, the party leaders and Members of Parliament, to focus your attention to the following points in selecting a new President and a Prime Minister.

1. The President and the Prime Minister of the proposed Interim Government should be elected by the consensus of all political parties, and prevent conducting a poll in doing so, under any circumstances.

2. Avoid considering only the numerical majority of the respective political parties in the parliament in this exercise.

3. Prevent from all actions and expressing opinions that may cause division or discord among political parties.

4. Put aside all personal agendas, political agendas or narrow party/power agendas and always put the priority on the country and the people.

5. Avoid making decisions targeting upcoming elections, at this difficult time

6. Ensure that at least one person from each political party or group represented in Parliament are included when selecting the next Cabinet.

7. Make sure that the people who can make a positive contribution towards solving the economic, social and political crises facing the country, and are capable of managing the international situation are only given priority when electing the Cabinet. Also refrain from appointing anyone who has become a victim of public displeasure.

8. Do not decline the request if the President or Prime Minister of the forthcoming all-party government extends an invitation to you to be a   Cabinet Minister.

We firmly believe that all political parties should pay their attention to the above matters. Also, when selecting the Cabinet, the  political parties should pay their particular attention on  appointing a team  that is  innovative,  free from conventionality,  experienced  in crisis management, and is  prepared to take  risks  are taken into account.

Otherwise, it is inevitable that the current crisis will be   intensified further   and plunge the country into a worse predicament that it would not be possible for the country to recover and restore easily.

Rohana Hettiarachi
Executive Director