(Excerpted from remarks by Karu Jayasuriya, Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) at a media conference on Thursday)

At present our country is facing a number of serious issues. Nobody who loves the country can ignore it. That is why NMSJ stands with the people whenever disaster strikes. It is not something against any party, leadership or group. It is a representation on behalf of all the people of the country.

We hope to identify a number of such challenges facing the country here and bring them to the attention of the relevant authorities. Many events of the recent past should attract the attention of all parties in this country. These include discussions in society on the report of the Commission that probed the Easter attacks.

There were expressions of some viewpoints that we are not pleased about. We must all ensure that no attempt be made by anybody to cause divisions in this country between races or religions or politically. We say this because there have been many statements made that could lead to ethnic, religious and political divisions. Nobody should be allowed to set this country on fire or turn it into a lake of blood as has happened on many previous occasions. No one who loves the country will allow that to happen again.

The Easter attack was a vicious and malicious terrorist act. All those involved, must be brought to justice and given the maximum possible punishment. There should be no debate about that. But all that’s done towards achieving that objective should be in the national interest and not within narrow ethnic or religious boundaries. No race or religious group should be affected by what results. Justice must be done to all the victims of that barbaric attack and we as a nation must ensure national security in the most scientific and appropriate manner. Such events cannot be allowed to happen in the future. That is our clear and unanimous position.

We would also like to draw attention to the very important issue of the health of the people. There are questions of our ability to administer the second dose of the vaccine to those who have received the first. Published figures indicate that we have received about 1,264,000 doses and about 960,000 have been used leaving around 300,000 doses in the country. To give the second jab to those already vaccinated in a timely manner, we need nearly another 700,000 doses. A clear answer on government’s plan to ensure this is essential.

According to media reports, some government officials have stated that the company that manufactures the vaccine has already refused to supply it to Sri Lanka. It seems very likely that we will not receive the ordered stocks. So what do we do then? What will happen if we do not receive the needed stocks? Does the government have an understanding of that?

Experts say that a second dose of the same vaccine, and no other, must be administered for efficacy. How will the government deal with this necessity to ensure proper immunity? It is the government’s responsibility to tell the people how it will deal with this. This is a matter that requires close attention.

Today many institutions related to the state machinery appear to be inactive. All power of the country is is vested in one person. As a result, no institution is able to function independently without the directives and instructions from him. Some institutions have become inactive due to his incorrect instructions and guidance and all institutions in this country have today become mere puppets.

The whole country is in chaos and not only democracy is being destroyed as result of the 20th Amendment. in order to reactivate the state machinery in this country properly, it is necessary to re-create the necessary environment where statutory powers vested in each institution can be exercised independently without waiting for orders and recommendations from one person on each issue.

For that the 20th Amendment to the Constitution must be repealed. It seems that many people today understand that. The Chief Incumbent of the Getamabe Rajopawanaarama advised two ministers on this on two different occasions recently. It would be useful if the government and the people listen to his advice. Was the 20A really a solution to our problems or has it created problems that did not exist? Has it helped people live a better life? Did it help to control the cost of living and strengthen the economy? What are they using the immense power gained by the 20th Amendment for today?

These powers are being used to suppress political opponents, to weaken the capabilities of the democratic institutions of the country and to weaken the confidence of the people in the judiciary day by day. Its creators need to understand that if this situation continues, the curse of the people will inevitably fall on them.

We emphasize these points to prevent such a situation occurring. What is happening is affecting the scholars and intellectuals of this country. The most recent example is the removal of LakKumar Fernando, a renowned specialist doctor, from his post as the Director of the National Drug Regulatory Authority. According to a leading English language newspaper, the reason for his removal was that he had defended the people against the views of the government in a matter that could endanger the people.

What message does it give? Even a specialist doctor is today unable to defend the dignity of his profession. This is a very tragic situation. In the past, several eminent medical professionals have lost their posts or been forced to resign. People do not approve of such things. If the authorities do not understand that, it is their misfortune.

Today the people are eagerly awaiting the celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, a cultural festival that is closely intertwined with the environment. Our cultural roots as well as our livelihood are linked to the environment but today our country has become a victim of rulers who destroy the environment.

We have seen His Excellency the President issuing orders on a number of occasions to protect the environment of this country. In such a situation why are even local political powers acting otherwise? How can government officials, including policemen be made to protect the environment? The President should pay attention to this and directly intervene to curb politicians who destroying the environment of this country.

As the Head of State of this country, we wish him the courage and strength to do so. We also pay our respects to all government officials and organizations who stand up for environmental protection in the face of all emerging challenges, and especially the youth of our country.

The all-time low quality of our food today is really troubling. The people can’t even prepare their New Year sweets without risk. Even the Standards Institute certifying food quality admits this. This must be immediately dealt with and food safety ensured.

Media reports confirm that the confectionery industry has collapsed due to the sudden ban on the import of palm oil. This problem would not have arisen if the parties had been consulted before making hasty decisions. Government rapidly changing its mind is disgraceful. We have focused on these matters for the good of the people and hope they will receive special attention of those concerned at least after the New Year. That is the wish of the people too.

May the Sinhala and Tamil New Year be a time of prosperity for all the people of this country! Happy New Year to you all.