Richard de Zoysa, the Convenor of the  People’s Convention for Good Governance, outlines his views and  his vision for a just a prosperous New Sri Lanka . The  People’s Convention for Good Governance will be on 25th February at the main auditorium of the BMICH.

Richard de Zoysa could be contacted on 0777759999, richard@elitesecurity.lk for any information.

  1. What propelled you to embark on this initiative ?

We need to address good governance at this moment since our nation is undergoing an unprecedented crisis , economically, politically and socially. The current regime has to take a good look at themselves and loose no time implementing fresh mandates that will resurrect our nation from total collapse. Three years ago , I presented three National Initiatives which should be included in the national curriculum of education .

The initiatives were Ethics to be taught to children between 2 and 6 years old as their character and personality is moulded during these formative years. Secondly, the common medium of instruction should be English with Sinhala and Tamil being the national languages and finally, a set of Counsellors in each school who will channel dropouts to a chosen vocation. It is the responsibility of the government to see to the welfare of each dropout until they are gainfully employed. If we , unwaveringly, implement these three national initiatives , we will be a united , prosperous country in a few years and an example to the world.

I also impressed upon them that I was not prepared to launch these without the Government being involved since continuity and implementation need the government’s infrastructure and resources.

  1. Who are your backers / funders of this initiative ?

The convention is personally funded by me with two other selfless benefactors whom I will introduce at the convention. We are registering a Trust named Arise Sri Lanka to implement an initiative that Doc . Sarath Seneviratne whose concept was to build a data base of consistent donors both internationally and nationally to alleviate poverty. We are launching a website with a payment gateway at the convention to start this commendable project.

  1. Why have you not enlisted some of our Corporate leaders into this initiative ?

Corporate leaders are being invited to be delegates but some of the key personalities whom we think will speak their mind are hesitating to come forward. That is the sad truth . We need each and everyone to enforce a clean , dedicated set of Parliamentarians. Corporate leaders, professionals , think tanks , youth leaders right down to the so called common man who wields the power to elect parliamentarians have been invited. Corporate leaders can certainly be a part of influencing good governance since they are the engines of growth . The government’s development policies should be designed to encourage the private sector. We stand – for truth, equity and justice. The Corporate sector should come on board and help rebuild our country.

  1. Will you be having any international speakers at the event ?

At the outset I wanted  to invite the Singaporean Foreign Minister or a person of that stature to deliver the keynote address .  On further contemplation, I came to the conclusion that Sri Lanka’s internal affairs should be addressed and overcome by ourselves. If we can get on the same page and face our challenges diligently, without procrastination, we will progress. However , we are inviting the entire Diplomatic community with the hope that they will appreciate the efforts being made by us to bring about a complete change in the way we are being governed.

5. How do you propose ensuring that the decisions reached by this convention will be implemented and upheld ?

I have the utmost confidence in our team ,whether they be top professionals or simply people with a lot of common sense . Our intensity and well analysed deliberations will pressure those in power to implement our forward plan . After all , these decisions and proposals have been concluded by patriots who love their country and not by some of our rulers who will always be motivated by their personal agendas rather than to work tirelessly for the benefit of their country.

6. Do you intend increasing the number of trustees. ? 

Yes, if and when the need arises. I am looking at foreign donors with a genuine love for our country who will make a significant contribution to the downtrodden masses.

  1. You have not included Power and Energy, Women and Children’s Rights, as well as International Relations among the topics to be discussed – surely these are key areas that need to be addressed

For sure those are as important as any of the forums that we have identified initially. We shouldn’t scratch on the surface of those vital areas . I would much rather schedule a People’s Convention for Good Governance 2 , rather than rushing through an agenda on 25th February that will be long drawn out and ineffective .

  1. Will the People’s Convention evolve into a new political party ?

If there is a notable response internationally and nationally the Trustees and the core group of patriots who have embarked on this initiative, will carefully consider whether such a move is necessary or whether being watchdogs and whistleblowers serves our nation better.

  1. What are your future plans ?

We will be omnipresent ,until we make a definite change. I have been blessed by phenomenal human beings such as Dr. Walter Jayasinghe and his wife Aeshea , Dr .Sarath Seneviratne and his wife Chinki who believe in my initiatives and have pledged their total involvement and support to ‘Arise Sri Lanka’ together with Palitha Kohona, Lakshman Watawala and Jeevanthie Senanayake who have consented to be Trustees to implement Dr Sarath Seneviratne’s vision which was spurned for 15 years. Working alongside to make our vision a reality are Visakha Tillekeratne, Dhammika Jayasuriya, Milindha Hettiarachchi, Thushi Weerasinghe, Ishan Jaleel, and Selvi Sachchithandan . Former Ministers Karu Jayasuriya and Rohitha Boggolagama give me invaluable advice for which I am very grateful. If we are to make a definite statement, we will first help our down trodden masses and consider entering the political arena thereafter. There is a need to infuse decision making with a fresh, vibrant set of visionary thinkers and dynamic young leaders.  Gender equality too is a key factor.

We fear no one !  We will stand by the truth and work relentlessly towards a just and prosperous Sri Lanka.

Richard de Zoysa,

Convener – People’s Convention for Good Governance