Business sector, chambers call for non violence, stable Govt.
The Sri Lankan business sector and leading chambers called for the public to remain calm while engaging in peaceful protests to prevent any harm to people and property.
 Chaminda Vidanagamage |
Many of them condemned the invading of the private residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and burning it. Strong calls were made from Friday for the President to resign and party leaders to ensure smooth transition of power.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in a statement (on Friday) said that they reiterate its call for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign immediately for the sake of the country and its stability as he has lost the trust and confidence of the people as aptly demonstrated by the heightened protests witnessed on Saturday on an unprecedented scale around President’s House and President’s Office.
Further, the Chamber calls upon all political party leaders to come together at this time of grave crisis and act in the best interest of the nation to arrive at a consensual decision that will pave the way for a smooth transition of power in accordance with the constitution.
“It is hoped that the party leaders will put aside their ideological differences and get together as Sri Lankans at this historic moment to save the country from falling into anarchy.”
The Chamber requests the public to remain calm and also calls upon the security forces and the police to act with restraint and continue to maintain law and order while making way for peaceful protests.
Meanwhile Secretary Colombo Business Association Chaminda Vidanagamage said that just because protesters stormed the President’s house, temple trees, President Secretariat and burnt down the Prime Minister’s residence the problems in the country would not end. “These short sighted actions may be a victory to ‘Aragalaya’ but it created even deeper issues. Where is the economic bail out plan of the Aragalaya? Who is the leader of the Aragalaya?” he asked.
He said that senior politicians should get-together and appoints credible leaders according to the constitution and obtains international support before the country falls into another Afghanistan.”
He also said that several leading business institutions attached to them are already contemplating to shut down operations and go overseas since firstly they don’t have business and secondly they have no means to pay employees.
Meanwhile the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) in a statement to media urged all party leaders to urgently expedite the recommendations put forth at the meeting calling for the resignation of the President and Prime Minister and making way for an all party government with elections to be held as early as possible. JAAF reiterates the call for an amendment to the constitution abolishing the executive presidency.
“At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, we strongly request that leaders of all political parties work together in resolving this major crisis that our country is in and prioritize a ‘Sri Lanka First’ agenda. “We also call upon the people to have the patience and perseverance, to hold their protests in a non-violent manner while understanding their enormous and extreme suffering. We call on the security to act with restraint whilst maintaining law and order.
The Joint Apparel Association Forum is the apex body which guides Sri Lanka apparel towards its ultimate goal of being the world’s number one apparel sourcing destination.
Meanwhile Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) says that subsequent to protests and unprecedented call for change in the past the country needs a peaceful transition to a government formed with consensus and stability to navigate through the political and economic challenges it faces.
“A government enshrined with good governance and accountability to ensure a new era for Sri Lanka, fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of all Sri Lankans. A stable government to help navigate the political and economic reforms required for it to emerge from the crisis it faces.”
“We request every Sri Lankan to rise up to rebuild our country and needs a stable and just government to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of all Sri Lankans SLASSCOM represents IT-BPM, a key economic sector which employs over 100,000 professionals and brings in foreign exchange and investments.