‘Won’t give up struggle until Rajapaksa leaves office’

The Galle Face protesters yesterday (02) said that the group that had met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa the previous day didn’t represent those demanding the resignation of the President and the Cabinet.

‘Black Cap Movement’, engaged in the ongoing campaign, in a statement issued on behalf of the Galle Face protesters, disowned the group that held discussions with President Rajapaksa at the President’s House.

The group reiterated that their original demand for the President to step down still stands. “We have nothing to discuss with the President or his representatives. We want the government to resign,” spokesperson Buddhi Karunaratne said.

Referring to a statement issued by the PMD following the purported meeting, Karunaratne said that it was a ruse to discredit the protest.

The spokesperson vowed that the struggle would continue till the President quit.

The PMD said on Wednesday (01) that the Confederation of Professionals for a National Policy, a group of professionals and youth involved in ‘Aragalaya’ presented a set of proposals outlining actions that should be taken to resolve the current political and economic situation to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The PMD stated: ” Discussions focused on short, medium and long-term measures that should be taken to address the current political, social and economic crisis and the adoption of a new ‘people-friendly’ Constitution.

Subsequently studying the proposal, it was agreed to hold the next discussion within the next few days. President Rajapaksa said that several groups representing experts in various fields were ready to build the country and that he is ready to provide the necessary powers and resources to implement the positive plans of those groups.

The professionals pointed out that a development programme with specific targets should be provided to all Ministries annually and steps should be taken to review the progress towards those targets on a quarterly basis. The proposal calls for the removal of Ministers and Officials who fail to meet targets by the end of the year.

The discussion which was held under the patronage of Ven. Prof. Pathegama Gnanissara Thera and Shastrapathi Ven. Vitiyala Kavidhaja Thera was attended by Dr. Asoka Jayasena and Mr. Nelum Weragoda representing the Confederation of Professionals for a National Policy and a group of professionals and youth involved in ‘Aragalaya’.

Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Chief of Staff to the President Anura Dissanayake were also present during the discussion. “