Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne speaks out on the crises; suggests way forward

 Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, world-renowned civil activist and former Member of the Constitutional Council, yesterday via a statement stressed that the Government must stop all forms of suppression of people, who carry out their democratic rights; and the media freedoms, especially the social media, which is widely considered as the fourth force of the present day. 

He also mentioned the use of emergency laws, curfew, blockage of social media, and the use of Police and Military to suppress the people who are expressing themselves in democratic protests is totally unacceptable, and the Governments should always listen to the genuine expressions of people and respond positively. 

Ariyaratne is one of the most elderly civil society activists living in Sri Lanka today, who devoted his entire life, almost eight decades, for the betterment of the Sri Lankan people and the country, with numerous national and international recognitions.

Whilst deeply saddened by today’s socio-economic and political context, and the unfolding events on the streets across the country, Dr. Ariyaratne puts forward a set of proposals that the present Government can consider to move forward as an undivided country. At this critical moment, he believes the Chief Justice of the country could lead a temporary government consisting of 10 intelligent and educated citizens of the country with professional background and exposure, who also do not necessarily represent any party-political interests. This temporary government then should take necessary steps to provide the necessities for the people, including liquid petroleum gas, fuel, electricity and essential food items without shortages for a reasonable price. 

In the long run, the executive presidency, and the party-political system should be abolished by the Constitution, and the freedom of judiciary must be restored to its maximum.

In a new electoral system, all the benefits given to the Members of Parliament should be stopped, and a fair opportunity should be given to the representatives from the people, and community leaders to be appointed to the Parliament. The Cabinet should be named and appointed by the Members of Parliament, so there will be no division as Government and Opposition in the Parliament, and better consensus could be reached in matters of national interest.

With respect to the allegations of wrong-doing and corruption, Dr. Ariyaratne insists that all moneys and assets earned through corruption must be taken back by the Treasury, and should be diverted to ease the harsh living conditions faced by the people of middle- and lower-income categories of the society right now. If the present President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who has been ridiculed right now, could take such a brave decision, he would be able to end his tenure as the President, respectfully. But he must act fast to abolish the Executive Presidency, and to mark the end to his tenure as the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, before people face more suffering in the time to come.

Dr. Ariyaratne also questions who bears the responsibility of all the suffering people are going through today, especially the people of lower- and middle-income categories, without adequate supply of food items, medicine, water, electricity, fuel, LPG, fertiliser, etc. This has forced the people to demonstrate on the streets around the country, regardless of their political affiliations. All these shortages are the result of short-sighted political and administrative decisions, and ultimately it is the people who suffer.

“We all are responsible, because we have accepted institutions that are not in any way helping the progress of the country. On the contrary these institutions have destroyed our country,” Ariyaratne said.

Firstly, the political parties and the party politics; and secondly the Executive Presidency; both these structures should be abolished. Thirdly the independence of the Judiciary should be maintained. Fourthly all the appointments in ministries and Government institutions such as Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Treasury, etc. should be managed by non-political, non-partisan persons and all political appointees should be sent home. Lastly, the religious institutions headed by Buddhist Sanga should undergo a radical change.

He also believes drastic changes are needed at these institutional levels to create a conducive environment for all, to move forward as one country. He also mentioned this should lay foundations for a participatory non-violent revolution in the country where all can live in peace and harmony, with dignity. If, as one country, we envisage such change, the blessings of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary should make it happen.

Whist reminding of his 90 years of life, and all the hardships Sri Lanka went through, throughout these decades, Dr. Ariyaratne is very optimistic Sri Lanka can move forward if all these institutions could come in to consensus with the people to create one Sri Lanka where spiritual, moral, cultural values are respected, and social, economic and political ambitions of all are fulfilled. In his statement he also stressed the importance of stopping drugs and alcohol, all forms of crimes, and establishing the Rule of Law.