While the people are forcing the oppressive government to go home, progressive groups including lawyers as well as pro-people politicians are working hard to come up with a common goal to build the country. If the government fails according to the current legal referendum, Sajith Premadasa, who has the highest mandate as the Opposition, will have to take over the government.
If he too refuses to accept the government, he will have to sign all 225 and go to the polls again. However, under the current constitution, the president can dissolve parliament after next February.
However, in order to build the country with the help of international aid and Sri Lankans living abroad, it is imperative that a stable government as well as a government that is not anti-people be formed. Sajith Premadasa alias the Leader of the Opposition is the leading internationally recognized post for that.
In order for Sajith Premadasa to take over the country and move forward, and to make his dream of 225 a reality a reality, he must first repeal Article 20 and adopt Article 19 as Article 21 of the Constitution.
If Sajith’s faction appoints former ministers in the next cabinet, not only will he be more embarrassed than the current government, but the 225 presidential dream will be shattered and the word ‘no’ will be strongly socialized.
What Sajith Premadasa should do is avoid giving the portfolios of Chief Ministers such as Justice, Trade and Education to former Ministers. For example, MP Thalatha Athukorala is a former Minister of Justice and it is not appropriate to re-appoint her as the Minister of Justice. If so, the current struggles will continue, adding another meaning to the people’s goal or 225 no. We have the pressure on the judiciary as well as many other things that happened at that time. People who have been subjected to such acts and given injustice have given them to us. But what Sajith Premadasa should do is to control his own MPs by giving them ministerial portfolios that the people want and promising them ministerial posts in a new election.
Also, ministries such as petroleum should be given to a Muslim MP who has collaborated with Arab countries but has not been accused of various frauds, corruption and extremist views. Sri Lanka can also receive international assistance through a panel of religious leaders. For this purpose, a monk like Omalpe Sobhitha Thera, who is recognized in Sri Lanka, a Catholic priest, a panel consisting of Islamic as well as Hindu clergy can be appointed and the country can be rehabilitated within six months before it is honest. At the same time, urgent action must be taken against certain gangs and individuals as well as public servants who seek to escalate existing conflicts. Plans should be made for that.
Most important of all is the proper implementation of the law. It should not affect the judiciary on behalf of Namal, Rajapaksa or anyone else. The telephones of the appointed Minister of Justice should be recorded as well as in the courts. In this way all activities should be well identified. Meanwhile, a select committee will have to be appointed to look into the Mirihana incident as well as to inquire into all possible frauds, corruption, irregularities and social injustices. It is imperative that immediate action be taken to provide relief to those who have been wronged and to punish those who have done wrong.
The knowledge of sociologists as well as ancient economists in particular is essential for future advancement. A separate panel of sociologists with knowledge of sociology as well as experts on youth and community development should be appointed. Also, all members of Sajith’s team should understand that the life of Sajith’s government will not last long without paying attention to all aspects and without a plan. If it breaks down, the people will retire all members of Sajith’s faction in the next parliamentary elections.
Therefore, Sajith Premadasa’s hope is to change the constitution first if the struggles are to end, and secondly to appoint the newest ministers who have not been criticized by the people. Without that, these struggles will continue.
By appointing good new Members of Parliament as Ministers, taking prompt legal action against frauds, corruption and irregularities, taking action against the frauds and corruption that have taken place at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, as well as prompt and long-term scientific measures to end youth struggles. The life of the government formed by Mr. Premadasa will be shortened. It is the wish of the people that Sajith’s government should not write in the future as if it was ‘tied up with diarrhea’ as in ‘Ginger is like chilli’.
Sri Nissanka Mayadunna
Member of the Commonwealth United Young Developers Association