The National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) has called on all stakeholders including the government and Opposition political parties, presidential candidates, and civil organisations, to come together and discuss the resolution of ethnic issues, specifically the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

In a statement issued in this regard, the NMSJ Chairperson and the former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya highlighted the broad consensus on enforcing the 13th Amendment.

Full text of the statement titled ‘Call to Action for Unity and Justice: NMSJ Urges Parliament to Address National Issues with Urgency’: It is incumbent upon us today to cultivate mutual trust between the North and the South, ensuring that issues rooted in race and religion never resurface. Every citizen deserves the right to live with dignity and self-respect, and it is imperative that we address these challenges ourselves, rather than leaving them for future generations. We fervently believe that decisive intervention is necessary before the next Parliamentary Elections, with a commitment to prioritise and thoroughly address these concerns. In this spirit, we, the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ), earnestly call upon the ruling party, led by the President, and the entire opposition, to heed this call to action during the 09th Parliamentary term, in the pursuit of a just society.

The Opposition Leader has publicly emphasised the importance of enforcing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in addressing these issues. The incumbent President, the Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP), and former Heads of State Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapaksa have also expressed their support for this cause. Furthermore, it is known that the majority of Parliamentarians currently working independently in Parliament, as well as the Presidential candidates expected to run in the future, share this strong conviction. We should recognise and appreciate these positive aspirations. In consideration of all these circumstances, we would like to once again request that a round table discussion involving the political parties represented in the current Parliament be convened to resolve these matters without delay.

Another important aspect to consider and appreciate is the involvement of a significant group of the Tamil diaspora of Sri Lankan origin towards the achievement of this goal. Their presence and support are crucial for addressing the important issues we need to tackle as a united nation. It is encouraging that prominent parties representing our society have already expressed their blessings for these efforts. We believe that the support and participation of the Tamil diaspora will be invaluable in achieving our goals.

It is the responsibility of all political parties, including all Tamil parties in this country, not to avoid or boycott discussions on this subject for any reason. Ignoring this opportunity, which has emerged beyond narrow political interests, could be deemed an act of treason by future generations. Therefore, we earnestly and repeatedly request the entire Parliament, led by the President, to intervene in this matter in good faith.”