22 A major factor determining SL‘s future - Karu

• We call on all members of parliament to extend their fullest cooperation to this endeavour 
• Repealing the 20th amendment to the constitution thereby removing the unlimited and arbitrary powers vested in the executive through it, is the foremost duty before the parliament today

The National Movement for Social Justice said the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is a major factor in determining Sri Lanka’s future direction.   

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya who spearheads the NMSJ said in a statement that the country’s public representatives will be judged in the future based on their actions relating to it.   

 “Working out a suitable solution to the severe economic and political crises faced by Sri Lanka today is an inescapable responsibility that must be borne by the entire nation. In light of the situation the members of the legislature who possess the mandate of the people must take the lead ahead of all others in this regard. Additionally all professional organisations, intellectuals and the general society also have their own responsibilities relating to the matter and we have continuously drawn attention to this fact. The interest now displayed by both professional organisations and the government in this regard is nevertheless commendable.   
However as mentioned previously it is the country’s parliament that must primarily focus and take the lead regarding the issue. Accordingly it is essential that short term, mid term and long term plans are drawn up and necessary steps are taken to implement them. It must be noted that the required public acceptance and legitimacy for the proposed political and economic reforms process can only be secured through the immediate implementation of identified reforms.   

It is our firm belief that repealing the 20th amendment to the constitution thereby removing the unlimited and arbitrary powers vested in the executive through it, is the foremost duty before the parliament today. 
To this end it is imperative that the salient features of the 19th amendment to the constitution be reinforced yet again. As a responsible organisation, we have on numerous occasions drawn the attention of both the honourable President and the Minister of Justice to the fact. We appreciate the interest the government has now shown regarding the matter.   

Therefore it is our expectation that the conclusions of the Supreme Court on the 22nd amendment to the constitution will be informed to the honourable Speaker and that necessary steps will be taken to present it to parliament allowing it to be adopted in a short span of time. We call on all members of parliament to extend their fullest cooperation to this endeavour and contribute to its collective and unanimous adoption for the sake of the nation as well as our future generations. Depending on their actions in this regard, that is if they stand for the welfare of the country or against it, it is inevitable that the political parties and MPs involved will be remembered and judged in time to come,” the statement said.