Multiple setbacks, blunders by Govt. in 2021 made people more destitute, says Karu

National Movement for Social Justice Chairman Karu Jayasuriya 

• National Movement for Social Justice Chairman Karu Jayasuriya this week recapped some of the key issues people faced in 2021 and challenges awaiting them in the New Year. Here are excerpts from Jayasuriya’s statement to the media

In 2021, our people faced immense suffering and hardships due to the COVID pandemic. However, I do not wish to revisit the failures of the past nor criticise those responsible for the many blunders made. Instead, I would like to note that the vaccination drive launched by the current Government to control the pandemic has had a favourable outcome and would like to express my gratitude to those who dedicated their time and effort to ensure its success.

But it is unfortunate that the country has suffered major setbacks in all other areas. The cost of living has skyrocketed and unfortunately, low-income earners are struggling to provide their families with the three square meals a day. Today, rice, sugar, milk powder, LP gas, medicines, and other necessities are in short supply. The lack of foreign exchange has also led to the complete disruption of people’s lives.

However, the Government has failed to provide solutions to these burning issues. Despite expressing various opinions, no commendable effort has been made as the Government has continuously failed to choose the correct path.

The farmers are therefore facing a dire situation today. As a result, many have already given up cultivation and farming activities. According to experts, food production is expected to fall by 40% and the signs of a great famine are now looming. A responsible Government cannot ignore these grievances. It is the public opinion that this could lead to bloodshed and this could be a possibility at a time where farmers are enraged due to the many hardships they are being made to endure. Therefore, the Government must pay attention to these matters.

When the use of chemical fertilisers was abruptly halted, the National Movement for Social Justice continuously raised its voice about the possible consequences. We gave voice to the opinions of the people and the farmers of this country.

Despite his initial stance, even Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to bow before the country’s farmers and apologise to them. If Sri Lanka’s President had paid any attention to the voices of people who love this country, including scholars and intellectuals, this catastrophe would not have taken place. Farmers must be treated with respect akin to gods and should not be subjected to harassment as is done today. As a result, they are living difficult lives and are even being forced to pawn their valuables to make ends meet.

Amidst all these, precious lives of humans and elephants are lost yearly due to the human-elephant conflict while reports formulated according to international standards with a view to resolving the issue continue to gather dust to our great dismay. It is evident that these issues can be resolved through dedication and interest on the part of the Government and therefore we hope due attention is paid to this issue at least now.

Democratic and supreme Constitution 

It is also important to note that a democratic and supreme Constitution is needed to ensure the progress of a country. Therefore, the promise made by the President to introduce a new Constitution within a year of the formation of the Government should be fulfilled without further delay. The Constitution must be made with the participation of the country’s people, and the Government must understand that a Constitution that is drafted without the initiative of Parliament and the people will not be acceptable to the Sri Lankan public.

From the very day this Government came to power and decided to introduce the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, we have presented before the people the damage it has done leading to the complete destruction of democracy in the country. Did the 20th Amendment and two-thirds parliamentary majority benefit the country? Today, it has proven to be a mere fallacy.

Former President and Leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Maithripala Sirisena had pointed out the negative consequences of the 20th Amendment. The influx of such ideas from a partner in the ruling alliance only empowers the efforts in defending democracy and we, therefore, appreciate his sentiments.

We urge the Government to release the promised draft to the country on 4 February, Independence Day. Let us also humbly remind the people that the President had made a promise to the citizens about dual citizenship and that delivering on this promise is also long overdue. The President had also made this promise to the Maha Sangha of the country. We, the citizens, therefore await with high hopes until the fulfilment of these promises.