Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Arrest of union leaders detrimental to important objectives of the Throne Speech - NMSJ
The National movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) said that the arrest of union leaders is detrimental to the important objectives of the President’s policy statement in parliament.
Issuing a statement, chairman of the NMSJ Karu Jayasuriya said that “ it is our belief that the arrests of Joseph Stalin, the General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers' Union,. Palitha Atampola and Dhananjaya Siriwardena, officials of the Bank of Ceylon Employees' Union, who were engaged in a peaceful struggle, simply cannot be justified. “
The full statement:
It appears that many are feeling optimistic following the Honourable President’s policy statement in parliament yesterday (04).
We strongly believe that the Honourable President's declaration that he is ready to establish an all-party government to strengthen the economy, take measures to streamline the supply of electricity and fuel, provide relief to low-income earners and reduce the cost of living are important policy matters for the country's welfare.
These will undoubtedly bring great relief to the people. The National Movement for Social Justice also appreciates the steps taken to re-enact the 19th constitutional amendment, and the attempts in increasing the powers of the parliament to enable the back row MPs to directly participate in governance. However another series of events has left us highly concerned.
Accordingly, it is our belief that the arrests of Joseph Stalin, the General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers' Union,. Palitha Atampola and Dhananjaya Siriwardena, officials of the Bank of Ceylon Employees' Union, who were engaged in a peaceful struggle, simply cannot be justified.
We earnestly request the government to take into account the priority that must be given to resolve the economic and political crisis faced by the country today and to therefore reach a reasonable compromise on political reforms with those engaged in the citizen’s struggle.
We emphasise this to highlight the importance of working together with all parties and other influential groups in the society for the future well-being of the country. If the government fails to adopt such an approach, it may have a negative impact on the attempts to form an all-party government that the Honourable President emphatically desires, as well as in obtaining the support of the international community.
Unfortunately, if such a situation is created, it will not be favourable for the Honourable President, the government as well as the country.
It is essential that the government pays close attention to the views expressed by the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission as well as the international community in the face of these events. Also, the government must seriously listen to the aspirations and opinions of the common people of the country.
We draw the attention of the Honourable President and the Government to these matters with the utmost sincerity due to the importance of achieving the basic expectations expressed by the Honourable President in his throne speech in a favourable manner.
Comments - 12
Recommended
You May Also Like
Trending
