The NCCSL members pictured, in a common plea to the people yesterday (13), appealed to voters to make the most of their voting rights in today’s (14) General Elections.

Sri Lankans go to vote at the Parliamentary Elections today (November 14) in a bid to send a set of fresh faces to parliament, so that they can form the majority in parliament, which has a total of 225-seats.

In that backdrop, the representing members of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL), gathered en masse on the eve of polls, calling on their fellow citizens to make the most of their voting rights. They made this call at a press conference held on November 13 at the NCCSL in Colombo 7. 

Their common pleas ranged from voting for women, voting for a parliament with diversity, candidates with credentials and qualifications who are matured and people possessing skills.

Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev.  Dushantha Rodrigo, speaking about the much looked forward to General Elections, which is taking place after the the Aragalaya or people’s protest, told reporters, “We hope this election will be a decisive point in the life of this country and that we will be able to say we have truly achieved what we want to achieve as a nation. In that process, when ensuring economic stability and political freedom there’ll be religious coexistence that will build a united Sri Lanka”. 

He said that in order to live in peace and harmony, it starts with citizens of this country exercising the franchise that has been given to them. He added that it’s the responsibility that Sri Lankans have accepted and received when they exercise that franchise.

“Reconciliation must come and the people from the North of this country, who have been yearning for dignity, must also be taken seriously. There has to be a solution for people of all ethnicities,” he said.

“We’ve earmarked so many issues that have been placed before our leaders from time-to-time. And those issues concern different groups of people who have been suffering in this country for years, decades and through many generations. They need to see an end of this suffering. They also need to know, they need not live in this way, anymore,” he noted.  

“We hope this election will be a decisive point in the life of this country and that we will be able to say we have truly achieved what we want to achieve as a nation. In that process, when ensuring economic stability and political freedom there’ll be religious coexistence that will build a united Sri Lanka”- Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo

Flanked alongside Bishop of Colombo was Rev. Dr. Chrisso Handy, Chairperson of Assemblies of God of Ceylon, who said, “Law-making is an important part of the parliament. So is budget-establishing, monitoring and controlling it. Therefore, it’s a serious exercise, serious-minded people, able people, rounded people should enter parliament. A stable government is essential for a stable nation. But we also noted, in the past where there have been 2/3rd majority and 5/6 majority and that there have been dysfunctions that have set in even as we set out to vote today”.

 “Law-making is an important part of the parliament. So is budget-establishing, monitoring and controlling it. Therefore, it’s a serious exercise, serious-minded people, able people, rounded people should enter parliament”-  Rev. Dr. Chrisso Handy, Chairperson of Assemblies of God of Sri lanka 

The evangelical leader said that he and his community will accept with both hands opportunities for the next generation and hold them in high-esteem; pinning them as the promise of the nation. 

“We especially welcome the opportunity given to the next generation. They’re the promise of the nation and we believe that new blood coming in is going to be a positive experience. We also believe that a larger number of female candidates contesting this time is positive development. We notice from other nations, where this has happened, that nations are benefited. At the same time, we see that there is a need for matured people, experienced people and people who have made important contributions in the past, to be also included,” he elaborated.

Rev. Dr. Handy said that there are a couple of issues at the forefront of NCCSL. Revealing them, he said that those believing in a democratic format have to be considered.

“Also we know that we’re a nation that has experienced very difficult times. And those who can provide answers to the ethnic conflicts and independence of the judiciary should also be considered,” Rev. Dr.Handy added.

He hinted that they would like to recommend those who can talk about reforms; especially the reforms that must be brought to the Attorney General Department and Sri Lanka Police. 

“The economy is the way we believe how God takes care of all the people of the nation. Economic wisdom and economic understanding are of essence. Reconciliation; we know how important it is. We have talked about it, but nothing very serious has occurred” he said.    

Speaking at the event Rev. Kingsley Weerasinghe, President of Methodist Church of SL underscored that the election is a process which involves people to bring about a better country; a country which takes care of all its people, especially those who’re vulnerable and in difficult situations. There must be the promise that, through the elected parties, life can be enjoyed in full, was a common sentiment expressed by its organizers at this press briefing.

NCCSL General Secretary Rev. Sujithar Sivanayagam, recalling the polls held in the past, opined that it’s time that more women entered parliament.