Protect the sovereignty of the people, says EFC

• The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon in a statement has urged all stakeholders to protect the sovereignty of the people by ensuring Rule of Law. Following is the EFC statement:

The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon has been in existence for the last 83 years as the principal employer organisation dealing with employment and industrial relations and promoting the interests of employers in Sri Lanka.

In doing so, our organisation has always been acknowledged, recognised and accepted by all stake holders as an independent organisation which has always stood for what is right and what should be in the best interests of our country.

For example, we have always very clearly affirmed our commitment towards the labour policy that is enshrined in the 10-Year Horizon Development Framework of the present Government (‘Mahinda Chinthana’) and called upon the Government to implement these policies by bringing in the required changes in legislation.

Today, we Sri Lankans have been confronted with a serious problem that could endanger the stability and governance of this country. There are many views expressed as to what is right and what should be done in the context of this impasse between the Legislature and the Judiciary.

We believe that expressing opinions as to which is right or wrong is not going to assist in resolving the problem. In fact, it would only result in undermining the Sri Lankan image, amongst the international community.

After having shown the world that we have the capacity of even eradicating terrorism from our country, on our own, notwithstanding external pressures, it is unfortunate to create a situation that would undermine our Sri Lankan identity.

We are happy that the President has, in a recent address, emphasised the importance of the sovereignty of our people. He has reiterated that we cannot forget the fact that sovereignty resides in our people in this country.

In fact, Article 4 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka further explains the manner in which the sovereignty of the people should be exercised. It is through the legislative power of the people exercised by Parliament, the Executive power of the people exercised by the President and the judicial power of the people exercised by Parliament through Courts, tribunals and institutions created and established by the Constitution. In addition, the Constitution also grants the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction to determine any question as to whether any bill or any provision thereof is inconsistent with the Constitution.

In the circumstances, it is crystal clear that the three organs must complement each other and respect each other in the exercise of its functions and governance. One attempting to usurp the power of the other is a direct affront to the rule of law in any country.

The people in our country, notwithstanding this crisis have continued to respect the rule of law. Any action or conduct that demonstrates otherwise could threaten the very existence of law and order in our country.

Therefore, we earnestly urge the Government, all Opposition political parties and all other stake holders and organisations which are genuinely concerned with best interest of Sri Lanka and its people, to extricate themselves from petty differences, and jointly safeguard the rule of law in our land. This is the only way in which the Sovereignty of our people could be protected.

We believe that all stake holders in employment, irrespective of their own interests, will endorse this view and do everything within their control to resolve this impasse. If not, the cost of it would be disastrous, which will have to be borne by our future generations.

Pix by Dinuka Liyanawatte, Krishan Ranasinghe, and Romesh Danushanka Silva