Sri Lankans are witnessing the complete collapse of the state, says Karu Jayasuriya, Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ).

Jayasuriya has, in a media statement, said that Sri Lankans are under

immense pressure due to power cuts, shortages of essential commodities, the rising cost of living and lack of foreign exchange.

Excerpts of Jayasuriya’s statement: “The government failed to take timely steps to resolve these issues and instead continuously delayed taking vital decisions. The Government’s organic fertiliser policy destroyed Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector. Even though compensation was assured to those affected, the Government has failed to deliver on this promise. Instead the government has squandered public funds on roads and walking paths.

“Due to the power disruptions, the industrial sector of the country suffered a serious collapse. The depreciation of the rupee led to the decrease of the legal inflow of foreign currency into the country.

“These events occurred due to the severe mismanagement on the part of the Government but it is the innocent people that must suffer the consequences as a result. In addition, the Government, the President and the Prime Minister are being severely criticised at the Galle Face Green and at various places across the country. The people are demanding a democratic, transparent and clean Government. Various reports are now being released on how public money was wasted and looted.

“It was shocking when the Audit Commission reports to Parliament revealed that the ‘Sugar Scam’ of Rs. 36 billion was carried out with the connivance of the Government. Therefore, it is natural for the youth to be enraged when those responsible have not been punished yet.

“Many apolitical and independent youth groups taking part in the protests have called on us and they appeared to be devastated. They accuse some politicians of destroying and robbing their future. They are disillusioned and disappointed. The country must understand and sympathise with their restlessness. It was reported that the President has convened various factions of the ruling party today for a discussion to form an all- party government.

“In the last few days, we have seen that the Government is not focused on resolving burning issues affecting the people but on trying to retain power instead. This is a breach of government responsibility.

“We call on the Government to take immediate action. The public may lose their patience and restraint if not. Dissent cannot be controlled with the use of weapons. If the President’s talks are successful, the Government should take immediate action to establish a national unity government. The hand of friendship should be extended to the Opposition immediately. The Government must not expect the Opposition’s help if they intend to continue with the Upali Abeyratne Commission and keep actor turned politician Ranjan Ramanayake incarcerated.

“We opposed the 20th Amendment to the Constitution at its inception and called for the 19th Amendment to be enacted. Calls for the same are now resonating from the Galle Face and across the country. We kindly request the President to clarify his position on these matters before summoning the Opposition.

“Various proposals have been made to amend the Constitution and the National Movement for Social has made public our proposals months ago. The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga, President’s Counsel Wijeyadasa Rajapakse and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka have also submitted valuable proposals. Some proposals may take months to implement.

“The recommendations of the Bar Association can be implemented swiftly. If the Government so desires, most of these can be implemented within the next Parliamentary week. We request the Government to take note of these in order to regain the trust of the people. We express these thoughts in great pain having seen the suffering of the people. It is the responsibility of the Government to at least take note of these at the eleventh hour and take necessary steps to resolve the issues faced by our people. “