“the Constitution allowed a defeated party leader to enter Parliament and ascend to the highest office of the land, plotted to perfection by a now rejected majority in Parliament. Though democracy was not violated, the will and the needs of the masses  was not exercised or considered in this process”

The People’s Convention on Good Governance will be held at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday, February 25 at the BMICH, with approximately 1,600 delegates in attendance. 

“When the Central Bank of Sri Lanka could not make good our nation’s monthly international debt instalment, with economic collapse staring us in the face and a well-nigh unstoppable downward journey to national bankruptcy facing us, due to the many blunders made by our previous leaders and the then incumbent Head of State, with individuals, small groups and more vociferous gatherings endeavouring to make an impact and starting a trend of stepping out of their homes and openly protesting against power cuts, fuel and LP Gas shortages and of course the spiralling inflation rates, thus striving to uphold democracy and the right of the people.

 It was in this dark hour that the People’s Convention for Good Governance was born”, says Richard de Zoysa, Convener of the People’s Convention for Good Governance.

The trust set up for this purpose includes Dr Walter Jayasinghe, Ms Aeshea Jayasinghe, Dr Sarath Seneviratne, Ms Rashantha de Alwis Seneviratne, Mr Richard de Zoysa, Ms Visakha Tillekeratne, Dr Palitha Kohona, Prof. Lakshman Watawala, Mr Ishan Jalill, Ms Selvi Sachchithanandhan and Ms Jeevanthi Senanayake.

According to de Zoysa, “the Constitution allowed a defeated party leader to enter Parliament and ascend to the highest office of the land, plotted to perfection by a now rejected majority in Parliament. Though democracy was not violated, the will and the needs of the masses  was not exercised or considered in this process. With all this piling up on us almost to desperation, it was obvious our country needed fresh leadership, with professional think tanks finding solutions to counter the present and to make resolute, well-planned road maps for the future, hence the birth of the People’s Convention”.

Four fora on the Economy, Education reforms, Productivity Exports and Ethnicity, represented by the best panellists available and moderated by experts will take place, with live telecasts including worldwide streaming, enabling maximum viewership. 

Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Ms Shehara Parakrama, Dr Tara de Mel, Prof. Rajiva Wijeysinha, Mr Murtaza Jaferjee, Mr Nahil Wijesuriya, Mr Ishan Jalill. Ms Selvi Sachchithanandhan and Prof. Arjuna Parakrama have already been confirmed to be a panellist or a moderator.

An address by Mr Jayadeva Uyangoda an authority of the post-Independence era right up to the present day will clearly outline the debacle that has befallen us and why this took place

After the Q and A session, De Zoysa will announce an initiative by Dr Sarath Seneviratne MD.that will alleviate poverty and assist helpless entrepreneurs who lack collateral to fund their SMEs. 

The launch of The Arise Sri Lanka Website and Payment Gateway initiated by Dr Sarath Seneviratne will also be commissioned by the Guest of Honour Dr Walter Jayasinghe and Ms Aeshea Jayasinghe who will also be the Chief of Trustees and the Treasurer of the Trust respectively. This trust will seek to be a charitable organization where Dr Seneviratne’s initiative mooted 15 years ago for the underprivileged, will see reality on this historic day.

The President of Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet of Ministers, the Leader of the Opposition, a few noteworthy Parliamentarians, the leaders of all political parties, the Diplomatic community, Corporate leaders, Professionals, University Deans, Civic Leaders, Youth leaders, noteworthy personalities and a representation of citizens who are helpless to influence good governance other than by making correct choices, as well as all media institutions local and international, will be invited to cover this hallmark gathering. 

On a lighter note, Indu Dharmasena will present a skit relevant to the subject matter discussed, while singer Rukshan Perera’s young charges will portray ethics being taught at a very young age.

The Convention will conclude with Visakha Tillekeratne Prominent social worker, civic activistand Consultant of the World Food Programme will combine with the moderators to commence a Q&A session with the delegates.