Friday Forum urges Maithri to seize chance for a new ethical political culture
Monday, 12 January 2015 00:40
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The Friday Forum congratulates President Maithripala Sirisena on his election and wishes him all success in the tasks that lie ahead. The people of Sri Lanka must be commended for the change achieved peacefully through the robust use of the democratic process. Friday Forum also expresses its appreciation of the cooperation of outgoing President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the smooth transition of power in accordance with the requirements of democracy and the Constitution.
The Commissioner of Elections and his staff, the Police, the many public servants involved in election duty, and the monitors both local and foreign, must also be thanked for the role they played with dedication and efficiency. A notable feature of this election which we also welcome is the increase in the involvement of civil society, and the keenness shown vigorously yet peaceably by members of the public who turned out in large numbers to exercise their will.
We look forward to the speedy implementation of measures for the restoration and reinforcement of democratic norms, including the restoration of independent institutions by the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment, and the long-awaited abolition of the Executive Presidency.
Friday Forum wishes in addition to stress the need for development of an ethical political culture, which should go in hand with tackling the social and economic challenges that lie ahead. Our country now has a fresh chance to uphold the rights and fulfil the aspirations of all communities that constitute the rich diversity of our land. The opportunity is there, and it must be seized.
