Private sector calls for Interim PM and asks President to heed voice of the people

Joint Chambers together with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka yesterday called upon the President to take immediate steps to appoint a competent person as the interim Prime Minister and a small Cabinet of Ministers to be appointed in consultation with the Prime Minister acceptable to all leading political parties represented in Parliament.

“This must be done with immediate effect in order to take urgent action to restore law and order and economic activity in the country,” they said in a statement.

It also said it is abundantly clear that concluding the IMF staff level agreement in a timely manner as planned, could be jeopardised due to the absence of a legitimate government. While awaiting the IMF program, it is critical that Sri Lanka secures Bridge Financing to help get through the next six months.

The statement said Joint Chambers together with Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka therefore

Call upon all political parties to leave aside their political agendas and differences in order to support the formation of an interim government under a leadership accepted by all

Urge the expedition of much needed constitutional amendment to repeal the 20th amendment and abolishment of the executive presidency within a reasonable timeframe through a consensual approach

Request that the President respects the voice of the public and resigns immediately after the interim government is firmly in place

Appeal to the people of this country to remain calm and not resort to violence that will make it even harder for the country to emerge from this crisis

Respectfully urge all religious leaders to advise the public on the need to desist from violence while expressing their voice in a peaceful manner as done so effectively up to Monday

The Joint Chambers are the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, Joint Apparel Association Forum, Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs, International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, National Chamber of Commerce, Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka, Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce, AMCHAM Sri Lanka, Ceylon National Chamber of Industries and CA Sri Lanka.