The people’s representatives, in Parliament, must now work together for one year with the blessings of the people to save the country from the abyss it has fallen into, Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ), Karu Jayasuriya, said at the fifth district-wise conference, titled ‘A New Constitution for a Better Country,’ organised by the NMSJ and the Collective for National and Religious Harmony.The meeting was held in Ratnapura. He said that the NMSJ has expressed its views on various national, religious and societal issues in our country.

“We are fearless in appreciating the correct measures taken by any governmen or leadership in power while also criticising it when it makes incorrect decisions that are detrimental to the people. Our movement is in constant contact with Sri Lankans living in many countries around the world. We often receive ideas and proposals from Sri Lankan intellectuals living abroad. To date, we have held 96 meetings, via Zoom. Based on these discussions, we have released various publications regarding the subjects affecting the country. These publications can be accessed through our Facebook page or through the website www.sadharana.org,” he said.

Given below are excerpts of the speech he gave : “We were able to create a common consensus on important issues, such as economy, education, agriculture, fisheries, electoral system, the new constitution and especially the ‘common minimum programme’ proposal for building the country.

Today, we are facing many national crises, never before experienced in the country’s past. The country has already been internationally recognized as being bankrupt. The economy has been fully destroyed.

Power cuts, high cost of living and malnutrition are on the rise. “These problems can be solved only if there is a national consensus in the country. Unfortunately, this has not taken place yet. On the other hand, we appreciate the government taking steps to provide solutions to many problems faced by the people, such as traffic congestion, and fuel and gas shortages.

“As a national movement, we have always suggested that all national leaders, regardless of political affiliation, work together through Parliament to seek solutions to these issues. The people will then refrain from pointing fingers at the Parliament. We can then rebuild this country, while setting aside all divides, through the participation of the leaders, and the blessings of the county’s citizens.

“If 24-hour electricity and continuous fuel supply are established, the day-to-day lives of the people will be restored. Industries and exports will increase rapidly. Tourist arrivals will increase and we can further develop the industry, during the winter season in Europe.

“Next, we must ensure the development of the agriculture industry. Experts have pointed out that if farmers are given the necessary seed, fertiliser and pesticide requirements at a fair price, we can expect record-breaking higher yields in the Maha season.

“We have also expressed our stiff opposition to the arrests of trade union leaders, and student activists by misusing the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

The people’s representatives in Parliament must now work togethe for one year with the blessings of the people to save the country from the abyss it has fallen in and to restore the country and the lives of the people. This is what must happen today. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution must be enacted in its entirety to protect democracy and human rights. We make this appeal to all our public representatives. Citizens can then choose a leader, political party or MP of their choice to represent their area. This is a request we make on behalf of the future generation.”