Karu says SL declining politically, economically and socially

National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Chairman and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday warned that the country as a whole is declining politically, economically and socially. 

“We can only get out of that abyss by strengthening democracy in the country,” he told the media.

He urged the Government not to gamble with the lives of the people but to take steps to save the country from the brink of bankruptcy.

“Today our country is on the brink of a catastrophe. The country is facing a huge risk of economic bankruptcy,” Jayasuriya alleged. 

He cited foreign reserves shrinking to a mere $ 3 billion, threat of losing the GSP+ benefits from Sri Lanka’s second biggest export market and the fertiliser fiasco as factors threatening the economy apart from mismanagement of the COVID pandemic. 

He described the arbitrary decision taken by the Government regarding fertiliser was without prior planning and proper assessment by agronomists.

“Farmers across the country are facing severe difficulties due to the lack of fertiliser to cultivate. Experts say that due to this reckless policy of the Government, the total agricultural production of the country will fall by at least 40%. It is an unfortunate situation. If that happens, the country’s food security could be severely compromised,” opined Jayasuriya. 

He said the threat of losing GSP+ concessions comes at a time when the country’s economy is in crisis. “Loss of GSP+ will cause the country’s economy to collapse,” he added. 

He said that 628 Members of the European Parliament who voted in favour of the EU’s resolution to reconsider the GSP concession for Sri Lanka are traditional allies and they only do not agree with the violation of law and human values.  

“The world needs to be given a clear assurance that the country’s democracy, people’s rights and freedoms will be protected. Every country that represents the European Union is our friend. They are not against Sri Lanka either individually or as an association. But for a better world, they need to respect the criteria they hold most high. We must also acknowledge that,” Jayasuriya said.

“We must understand that the country and its people will be protected to the extent that it upholds those values, such as the protection of the fundamental rights of the people, the rule of law, the strengthening of civilian governance structures, the elimination of bribery or corruption, and the strengthening of human dignity and democracy,” he added.

Jayasuriya emphasised unity by all parties was critical for the future good of the country. 

“We must ignore all narrow divisions such as parties, races and religions, and move towards formal and clear action,” he added.