Inclusive democracy key to economic recovery: CSO coalition 

• Urges Govt. to halt all forms of State repression and safeguard rights 
• Raises concerns on the rapid shrinking of the democratic space 
• Says poor governance, lack of inclusivity and corruption must be addressed to revive economy 

The Civil Society Collective for Democracy, an alliance including various organisations, professionals, academics, trade unions and activists convened a public meeting yesterday at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute to urge the Government to halt all forms of State repression and safeguard the democratic rights of the people to ensure actual and equitable economic recovery.

The collective expressed their deep concern over the rapid shrinking of democratic space within the country, with constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms such as the freedom of expression, right to information, right to dissent, right to protest, freedom of association and the right to franchise being snatched away, leaving citizens powerless. 

They claimed the surge in silencing voices and targeting critics of the Government has created a chilling effect among the people, leading to self-censorship. 

“Furthermore, the rulers have been abusing the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the contentious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to target political opponents, civil society activists, and journalists, contrary to international commitments, including those made at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The recent attempts to introduce extremely oppressive versions of laws such as the Anti-Terrorism Act, Broadcasting Commission Act and the NGO Act are examples of the Government’s attempt to threaten and control democratic space,” they said. 

“To uplift Sri Lanka from the economic crisis, it is essential to address its root causes – poor governance, lack of inclusivity and corruption. Unless these fundamental issues are addressed, Sri Lanka will continue to be considered as a complex investment context that will discourage investors and thus hamper economic recovery,” he added. 

The Civil Society Collective for Democracy urged the Government to promptly take action in safeguarding and championing the fundamental tenets of democracy. They said this entails ensuring punctual conduct of free and impartial elections, upholding citizens’ basic rights, and preserving the environment for civic engagement, along with various other requisites.