Sri Lanka at the crossroads

For the first time in the history of Sri Lanka a president was forced to resign last week. For months it had been apparent to many, other than to the incumbent, that the Gotabaya Rajapaksa presidency was unsustainable. Having delivered the worst economic crisis in history, it was not possible to move forward with the main culprit who brought about the calamity. 

With the resignation of President Rajapaksa, Parliament is now tasked with selecting a new president to complete the term of the former until November 2024. The fundamental question upon us is whether this selection made by Parliament will be reflective of the will of the people and whether that selection will suffice to quell public sentiment that has turned against the ruling establishment.

Therefore, the choice of next president should not only be about an individual but a whole change in the system. The next President must commit to the reforms that are urgently needed. If the Gotabaya Rajapaksa presidency has proven anything it is that the executive presidency, with unrestricted power and authority is not only dangerous but also inefficient and unsustainable for Sri Lanka. The fortunes of the whole nation should not ever again be entrusted with the judgement, acumen and competency of a single individual when the results of such a scenario are obvious for all to see.

It is imperative that the next president commits to changing the executive presidency with immediate effect. In the bare minimum the Constitution should revert to the status that was established through the 19th Amendment. The 21st Amendment to the Constitution can repeal the disastrous 20th Amendment and replace the provisions that prevailed previously. It should not entail any transitionary provisions as was the case when the 19th Amendment was enacted in 2015.

Just as president Rajapaksa who obtained 6.9 million votes had lost his mandate it is apparent that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) which secured a near two-thirds majority at the last general election has also lost its mandate to govern. In such a case it is untenable for such a parliament to continue and for the SLPP to be the king makers. The 21st constitutional amendment proposed by the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) recently remains the most progressive way forward. The best course of action at the moment in this context is for Parliament to select a new president, enact the 21st Amendment based on the proposals made by the SJB and dissolve itself. Once a general election is called there could be a referendum for the 21st Amendment on the same day as the SJB proposals may require such a referendum.

These changes are within our grasp and would be the bare minimum required to quell the agitation on the streets. Those who are vying for the presidency should be sensitive to these public sentiments acknowledging that this moment in our history is unprecedented. The people have just ousted a president who was elected with an overwhelming mandate and are in no mood to accommodate individuals who do not reflect their will. It is folly to assume that these angry and agitated masses will be satisfied with a nominal change at the level of head of state.

It is imperative that the next president commands legitimacy from the people. Just because the people are not directly electing the president that does not mean that public opinion can be cast aside in this process. Horse trading and numerous deal makings may secure the necessary votes in Parliament but if the next president does not command the respect and legitimacy from the general public there is bound to be continuous agitation which again will cripple any possibility of governance. 

After months of chaos there is now a real possibility towards stability and a path towards economic recovery. The choices made by 225 parliamentarians will determine whether Sri Lanka will take such a road towards political stability or we will continue on a path of self-destruction. Every parliamentarian who will decide on the next president of Sri Lanka must carry this burden and ensure their choice is truly representative of the will of the people.