• What we need is a change in the political culture

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Constitutional amendments will not resolve the country’s  political crisis, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Field Marshal  Sarath Fonseka told Parliament yesterday.  

“You have to take action against a school principal  whenever he abuses a child in the school rather than abolishing the  principal’s post,” he said.  

“I don’t see how a constitutional amendment would help Sri  Lanka. What we need is a change in the political culture. Neither a  constitutional amendment nor the appointment of an interim government is  going to help Sri Lanka at that moment. Also, we don’t want to take up a  position in a government which is formed by groups that are thinking of  their survival at this moment,” he added.  

He said even bringing no-confidence motions will not help.  Those who are protesting in the streets want a change in the political  culture. Those youths who stage protests have our blessings and the  backing. I therefore would like to tell these youths in the street not to  give up their struggle. Their victory is at hand. I would also like to  appeal to the public to support them and provide them with what they  need,” he said.  

Referring to the Rambukkana attack, he said the OIC of the area  had got two persons to shoot at the protesters. “This OIC had come to  the scene after consuming liquor. Chaminda Lakshan who was killed during  the protest was never involved in any form of violence,” he alleged.