The democratic moment today; a call for action and reflection

• Over 250 teachers, students, lawyers, activists, and concerned citizens issue collective statement on political and economic crisis

We are witness today to events that are unprecedented in our postcolonial history. Hundreds of thousands of people are taking to the streets spontaneously in protest in an extraordinary demonstration of democratic fervour. The calls for change are loud, and spectacular. They are driven by anger at a small elite group — the Rajapaksa’s, who have built a dynastic political empire with their cronies and allies in and out of Parliament and a supportive business elite. One of the worst spells of economic hardship that the country has experienced in the past few decades has driven people to the streets, demanding that the President of the country “go home”.  

But these calls for change are not just of the Government in power, but of the forms of governance as well. Hard questions are being asked by the protesters: questions about economic policies, the functioning of the judiciary, relations between communities, and related concerns. People want prices reduced and essential items like food, medicine, milk powder, electricity, gas and stationery, available in adequate amounts for their families; communities want the country’s stolen wealth returned and re-distributed; many want the divisive ethnic and religion based politics to end and past violations acknowledged and accounted for; the people are united in their cry for a country free of totalitarianism. The polyphony of slogans demanding economic, political social and gender justice must be heard and addressed. 

The economic crisis was precipitated by the inability of the heavily indebted Government to guarantee to the people essential imports, triggering the protests. Further, arbitrary decisions like the ban on the import of fertiliser badly impacted agricultural production. Shortages and exorbitant price hikes affecting food, medicines, fuel, and electricity, have induced widespread suffering. The impact is harshest on the working class, especially underclass, underprivileged, and multiply marginalised persons and communities; whose conditions have been rendered ever more precarious by the pandemic. 

The origins of the present crisis are political, having been brought about by authoritarian policies of successive governments. Such authoritarian rule has been consolidated for decades through Sinhala Buddhist majoritarian mobilisations, one of the most recent one being mandatory cremations, after a COVID death. It is built upon the notion that powerful, rich, professional and militaristic men must lead the way through mechanisms isolated from the needs of the larger community. Such ideologies have discriminated against people on the margins and have little space for pluralism.  It has resulted in heightened militarisation, inequality and injustice. It has narrowed the space for collective democratic action, and instead validated a culture of patronage and centralised authority.

It is important at this juncture that touted solutions do not compound the crisis. IMF involvement is very much on the table: the neoliberal economic thought that sees the IMF as the ideal solution extends across the political spectrum. However, it is decades of neoliberal policies that have led us to this crisis in the first place. Neoliberalism promotes policy that safeguards private property rights and free markets, overriding social concerns. Globally, social services such as transportation, health and education have become spaces for racketeering and private profit, and transformed governments to be facilitators of this process. No longer is the State expected to provide services to the public and no longer do such services belong to the public. 

As a result, the role of the State has weakened and we have become victims of the vagaries of markets. We have witnessed the slashing of spending on social welfare.  Deregulation and privatisation have become the norm. Today, we rely on the remittances of exploited migrant workers and heavy international borrowing, instead of developing production along viable lines, leading to self-sufficiency. In the event of an IMF intervention, we should keep the above in mind. 

As a means of addressing the economic crisis in the short term, provisions must be made for immediate relief for the suffering people. We must demand progressive direct taxation, including a wealth tax on property and vehicles, geared towards redistribution and greater equality. We must insist on a significant reduction of the funds allocated to the defence sector and insist that core public services, including health, education, electricity, water and transport, are strengthened and funded by the state. Those who are landless should be given land for housing, agriculture and other economic activities. 

We must broaden and concretise this democratic moment into sustained political action, pushing for structural changes in the long term. Draconian laws, including the Public Security Ordinance and the Prevention of Terrorism Act must be repealed. The country must engage in demilitarisation by cutting back on military expenditure, releasing lands held by the military, and confining the military to the barracks. Devolution of power from the centre to the peripheries is required. 

The Executive Presidency, together with the legislation brought about by the 20th amendment to the Constitution that consolidated powers at the centre must be done away with. Instead, we must nurture transparency and pluralism, through mechanisms such as tribunals, independent commissions and an independent judiciary. 

As a people, we call for solidarity at this historical moment! We call for a movement of workers, unions, women’s groups, all marginalised, disenfranchised and discontented people towards a just and democratic future for us all.

SIGNED BY

Ruchini Abayakoon, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada

Udari Abeyasinghe, University of Peradeniya 

Asha L. Abeyasekera, Royal Holloway, University of London

Asanka Abeyratne, Social Activist

Sachini Abeysekara, Brock University

Mohamed Adamaly, Attorney at Law

S.L. Usman Akeel, Daily Ceylon

Indi Akurugoda, University of Ruhuna 

Ashwini Amarasinghe , University of Peradeniya

M.A.M.S. Anaf, Kalmunai 

Shani Anuradha, University of Peradeniya 

Nalin Galkanda Arachchi, University of Vocational Technology, Ratmalana

S. Arivalzahan, University of Jaffna

Swasthika Arulingam, Attorney at Law

Odayan Arumugam, Trainer/Community Activist, Colombo

Mohamed Ashfaque, Akkaraipattu

A.N. Ashiq, Karaithivu

Dhilma Atapattu, University of Peradeniya

Fazeeha Azmi, University Of Peradeniya

Crystal Baines, Ph.D. Candidate, Kandy

Dhanuka Bandara, Miami University of Ohio

Sumudu Bandara, University of Peradeniya

Bisliya Bhutto, Human Rights Activist

Rudhramoorthy Cheran, University of Windsor

A.S.Chandrabose, Open University of Sri Lanka

Sasindi Chandrasekara

Visakesa Chandrasekaram, University of Colombo 

Kaveesha Coswatte, APIIT Law School

Chamalee Ahangama Dayarathna, Counselor

Ruwanthie de Chickera, Playwright

Jan Ramesh de Saram, Colomboscope

Erandika de Silva, University of Jaffna 

Marisa de Silva, Colombo 

Mithma De Silva, University of Peradeniya

Priyanka de Silva, University of Peradeniya

Sulari de Silva, University of Moratuwa

Hiranyada Dewasiri; Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka

Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri, University of Colombo

Janaranga Wijaindu Dewasurandra, The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka

Kaushini Dammalage, Independent Researcher 

Kanchuka Dharmasiri, University of Peradeniya

Chirath Dharmasena

Visakha Dharmadasa, AWAW

Shanka Dharmapala, independent researcher

Malaka Dewapriya, Filmmaker and Visual Artist

Priyan Dias, University of Moratuwa 

Migara Doss, Attorney at Law

Ruwanthi Edirisinghe, City University of New York

Sarala Emmanuel Feminist Activist Batticaloa

Sandya Ekneligoda, Social Activist

Diroshan Fernando

Sasindi Fernando, student

Amal Fernando, Kandy

Avanka Fernando, University of Colombo

Corita Fernando, Washington State University

Bhavani Fonseka, Attorney-at-Law 

Gnanabalan Gnanalosan, Point Pedro, Jaffna

Mario Gomez, International Centre for Ethnic Studies 

Thilanka Gunaratne, University of Peradeniya

Lesley Gunasekara, Independent Researcher  

Ranmini Gunawardena, University of the Visual and Performing Arts

Dileni Gunewardena, University of Peradeniya

Camena Guneratne, Open University of Sri Lanka

Ashika Gunasena, Independent practitioner

Tasneem Hamead, Colombo 

Azkha Hassen,

Al Gazzaly NS,

Farzana Haniffa, University of Colombo 

Hasna Hasbullah, undergraduate, University of Jaffna

Jafar Hasbullah, University of British Columbia 

Samal Hemachandra, University of Colombo

Dhammika Herath, University of Peradeniya

Himansa Herath

Siri Hettige, University of Colombo 

Rajan Hoole, Jaffna

J. S. Ishie, Ministry of Health

J. Prince Jeyadevan, University of Jaffna

K.W. Janaranjana, editor, Anidda newspaper

Velayudan Jayachithra, Senior Project Officer, Women and Media Collective

Sumedha Jayakody, Independent Researcher

Pamoda Jayasundara, University of Peradeniya

Gehan Jayasuriya, University of Peradeniya

Shakila Jayathilaka

Barana Jayawardana, University of Peradeniya

Chulantha Jayawardena, Univ. Of Moratuwa

Janaki Jayawardena, University of Colombo 

Uthpala Jayawardena, The Open University of Sri Lanka

Pavithra Jayawardena, University of Colombo

Ahilan Kadirgamar, University of Jaffna 

Sakuntala Kadirgamar, Law and Society Trust

Akhila Kahandagama, Concerned citizen

Anushka Kahandagamage, University of Otago

Pavithra Kailasapathy, University of Colombo 

Saman M Kariyakarawana, University of The Visual and Performing Arts

Thisal Kaluarachchi, University of Moratuwa

Maduranga Kalugampitiya, University of Peradeniya 

Anuruddha Karunarathna, University of Peradeniya

Ransi Karunarathna, Sri Lanka Press Institute

Inoka Karunaratne, University of Peradeniya

Amal Karunaratna, Retired from the University of Adelaide

Apsara Karunaratne, independent researcher

Charuka Karunarathne

Inoka Karunaratne, University of Peradeniya

Ransi Karunarathna, Sri Lanka Press Institute

Portia Kemps, University of Peradeniya

Thamali Kithsiri, University of Peradeniya 

Chulani Kodikara, University of Edinburgh 

Manikya Kodithuwakku, Open University of Sri Lanka

Sandamali Kottachchi, Attorney-at-law

Mahaluxmy Kurushanthan, Mannar Women’s Development Federation. 

Pradeepa Korale Gedara, University of Peradeniya 

Chamali S. Kulathunga, University of Peradeniya

Ramya Kumar, University of Jaffna

Shamala Kumar, University of Peradeniya 

Vijaya Kumar, University of Peradeniya

Amal Kumarage, University of Moratuwa 

Radha Kuruwitabandara, Attorney-at-Law 

A.H. Lareena, Lecturer

Hasini Lecamwasam, University of Peradeniya 

Menaka Lecamwasam, Independent researcher

C. Liyanage, Attorney-at-law

Saumya Liyanage, University of the Visual and Performing Arts

Mary Caroline Lurthunayaham, Wellawatta

Gunasingarajah Maheshwaralingam, University of Jaffna

Sudesh Mantillake, University of Peradeniya 

Prabha Manuratne, University of Kelaniya 

Ruvinie Machado, Colombo

Dulanjaya Mahagamage, Kandy

Tharinda Mallawaarachchi - University of Colombo

Anton Marcus, Joint Secretary, Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees’ Union

Kalindu Matharage, Independent

Sumudu Himesha Medawela, University of Peradeniya

Mahim Mendis, The Open University of Sri Lanka

Navindu Mendis, National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka

Juweriya Mohideen, Muslim Women’s Development Trust, Puttalam

Alikhan Mohideen, University of Peradeniya

Sakina Moinudeen, Colombo

S.P.Mohan, Heart’s Organisation Upcot

Rumala Morel, University of Peradeniya

Chathurika Munasinghe, University of Peradeniya

Thaha Muzammil, Free Media Movement

Kethakie Nagahawatte, University of Colombo

Amizhthini Nakkeeran, Aze IT Consultancy (pvt) Ltd, Jaffna

S. Narththanah, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

Pavithra Navarathne, Attorney-at-Law

Pamod Nayanapiya

Ammaarah Nilafdeen, Independent Researcher 

Abeysinghe Navaratne-Bandara, Retd. University of Peradeniya

Sabreena Niles, University of Kelaniya

Hasanthi Niriella

M. A. Nuhman, Retd. Univ. Of Peradeniya

Ranjini Obeyesekere  Formerly Princeton University and University of Peradeniya

Upali Pannilage, University of Ruhuna

Sasinindu Patabendige, University of Jaffna 

Muditha Pathirana, Independent Researcher

Nirmala Perera

Oshada Perera, Kandy

Paba Piyarathne

Srinagaruban Pathujan, University of Jaffna

Eshantha Peiris, University of Peradeniya 

Pradeep Peiris, University of Colombo

Sanjeeva Pieris

Kaushalya Perera, University of Colombo 

Kusal Perera, Political commentator, Journalist

Nicola Perera, University of Colombo 

Nirmala Perera

Tania Perera, Colombo

Amalka Pinidiyaarachchi, University of Peradeniya

Dimagi Pitawala, University of Peradeniya

Ven. Fr. Samuel Ponniah, Church of Ceylon

Padma Poshpakanthi, Savisthri National Women’s Movement/ Women Acton for Social Justice

N. W. Prins, University of Ruhuna

Angel Queentus, Jaffna Transgender Network

Mirak Raheem, Independent Researcher

S. Rajadurai, University of Colombo 

Chandi Rajapaksha, University of Peradeniya

Maheema Rajapakse, APIIT

Selvaraja Rajasegar, editor, maatram.org 

Shafiya Rafaithu, Independent Researcher 

Rupika Rajakaruna, University of Peradeniya

Vasuki Rajasingam, Jaffna 

Sampath Rajapakshe, Lecturer

Tharsiga Ramanaaharan, Jaffna

Ramesh Ramasamy, University of Peradeniya

Harshana Rambukwella, Open University of Sri Lanka 

Kanchana Virajani Ranaraja, Kandy

Piyumani Ranasinghe, Attorney-at-Law

Rajitha Ranasinghe, University of Peradeniya

Menaka Rathnayaka, University of Peradeniya

Sriyani Ranatunga, Research Assistant, University of Peradeniya

Dilini Ratnayaka, University of Peradeniya

Rev. M. V. E. Ravichandran, University of Jaffna

Ramzy Razeek, Social Activist

Rasma Razmi, University of Peradeniya

Stephini Sahid, Secondary School Teacher, Kandy

T. H. Rasika Samanmalee, University of Colombo

Aruni Samarakoon, University of Ruhuna 

Dinesha Samararatne, University of Colombo 

Gameela Samarasinghe, University of Colombo

Ganganee Samaraweera, University of Ruhuna

Unnathi Samaraweera, University of Colombo

Shreen Abdul Saroor, Women’s Action Network

Kalana Senaratne - University of Peradeniya 

Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya

Sharmila Seyyid, Author and Researcher 

Tudor Silva, University of Peradeniya 

Shashik Silva, Independent Researcher

Vanie Simon, Affected Women’s Forum, Akkaraipattu

Krishan Siriwardhana , University of Colombo

Dr. K. Sivaji, University of Jaffna

Ratnasingam Sharveswara, University of Jaffna

S. Sivagurunathan, Interpreter and translator

N. Sivakaran, University of Jaffna 

Gopikha Sivakumar, Undergraduate, University of Jaffna

Sumathy Sivamohan, University of Peradeniya

Taniya Silvapulle, Social Scientists’ Association

S. Sivasegaram, retired University of Peradeniya

Gnani Somasundaram, Lanka Hospitals

M. Sooriasegaram, Jaffna

H. Sriyananda, The Open University of Sri Lanka

Ermiza Tegal, Attorney-at-Law

Dayapala Thiranagama, formerly University of Kelaniya

Mahendran Thiruvarangan, University of Jaffna

Darshi Thoradeniya, University of Colombo

Yathursha Ulakentheran, Independent Researcher

Ramila Usoof, University of Peradeniya 

Nimali Vineeshiya, PGIHS, University of Peradeniya

Chethiya Waththuhewa, University of Peradeniya

Manisha Weeraddana, University of Peradeniya

Ishan Weerapura, Social Scientists’ Association

Dasuni Weerasinghe, Attorney-at-law

Devaka Weerasinghe, Colombo 

Ruvan Weerasinghe, University of Colombo 

Shiran Harsha Widanapathirana, APIIT

Amali Wedagedera, University of Hawaii

Poornima Weerasinghe

John Wesley, University of Peradeniya

Carmen S. Wickramagamage, University of Peradeniya

W. Namal M. Wickramasekera, University of Colombo

Maithree Wickramasinghe, University of Kelaniya

Upul Wickramasinghe, University of Durham

Priyan R. Wijebandara, Journalist

Gayatri Wijekoon, University Lecturer

Ranjit Wijekoon, Colombo

Asanka Wijesinghe, Economics researcher

Maneesha Wijesundara, University of Peradeniya (former student)

Dinuka Wijetunga, University of Colombo

Roshani Wijewardene

Shermal Wijewardene, University of Colombo

Apsara Wimalasiri, Colombo

Lareef Zubair, Independent Researcher