The Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL) has said that all parties must come together to form an all-party interim government, under a new Prime Minister, that will win the confidence of the people and resolve some of the most pressing issues facing the country in a short period of time, and go to the polls.

“The objectives of forming an interim government should be; ensuring adequate and continuous supply of agricultural and industrial raw materials, including medicines, essential foods, petroleum, gas, electricity, fertilisers, enhancing and re-enacting the 19th Amendment would reduce the powers of the President, establish independent commissions and increase the powers of Parliament,” CPSL General Secretary, Dr. G Weerasinghe said.

He added that Sri Lanka is facing the worst economic, political and social crisis in its history, since 1948. The programme, based on the neo-liberal policies that have been in place in the country, since 1978, has plunged the country into a deep crisis, Weerasinghe said.

“It is clear that the very poor management that followed the current President and government after coming to power further aggravated the situation. It has inherited more than $ 50,000 million in debt so far, and it is clear that the loans thus invested have been ineffective. In this situation the country has been pushed towards a deficit of dollars as well as a deficit of rupees. Trillions of rupees are being printed to cover the rupee deficit, and the dollar deficit has pushed the country into fuel, gas, food, medicine and electricity shortages,” he said.

CPSL General Secretary said that at present, the shortage of essential commodities for life has led to a complete collapse of the life of the people in the country, pushing the people across the country to rise. In particular, the slogan ‘Gota Go Home’ has become the most powerful slogan emerging through the ongoing ‘Galle Face’ campaigns.

“Meanwhile, the Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL) has drawn attention to the situation that has arisen across the country, following the May 9 attack on unarmed, peaceful protesters at the Galle Face by supporters of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his allies. Looting and destruction of public and private property are reported across the country. The majority of the people in the country are terrified and shocked by these incidents. Therefore, the Communist Party of Sri Lanka appeals to all parties concerned to end the attacks, looting and arson that are taking place throughout the country and to establish a peaceful environment,” he said.

Weerasinghe said that after ensuring the supply of essential commodities, the people must be given the opportunity, as soon as possible, to elect a government of their choice.

“The specific proposals mentioned above will not only address the serious issues facing the lives of the people, but will also address the demands that have arisen in the expanding campaign,” he said.