A group of university academics, have in a joint statement, said that they will continue to advocate for the implementation of proposed constitutional and policy changes even after the Presidential election next month.
The academics said that it is their considered view that the country is at a historically important juncture at this moment and the decision at this election will have crucial implications for future generations.
“While we do not believe that all the changes we desire can be achieved overnight, or simply through a regime change, we believe strongly that this presidential election offers a window of opportunity to re-establish democracy, the rule of law and good governance and to address issues of social justice,” the joint statement said.
The statement also noted with extreme concern that in the past decade Sri Lanka has witnessed a breakdown of the rule of law and all norms of democracy and good governance and the concentration of both political and economic power in the hands of a few.
This, the academics claim, has been particularly manifested in the unprecedented politicization of the judiciary and the manipulation of the judicial system which reached a crisis point with the unlawful impeachment of the former Chief Justice, the political control over the police, lack of public accountability of the police force, and the alarming levels of human rights violations perpetrated by police personnel, the intimidation of journalists and suppression of the free media, the breakdown of public institutions and services which are now mostly concentrated in the hands of the ruling elite. This breakdown has negatively impacted on our access to such institutions and services which is increasingly determined by the extent to which we can wield influence and power. It has further resulted in public servants being subject to political manipulations, and being victimized for daring to demonstrate any form of independence, the politicization of universities which are struggling to function in an environment of poor governance, infringement of academic autonomy and lack of basic funding, increasing intolerance of ethnic, religious and cultural diversity– ethnic and religious intolerance being cultivated shamelessly in an effort to maintain the hegemony of the ruling elite, mistrust among communities and groups and the deterioration in the protection and rights of minorities, corruption, bribery and waste in connection with economic projects and the creation of a politicized business mafia and violation of election laws – the complete violation with impunity of election laws has resulted in the impossibility of conducting free and fair elections.
FULL STATEMENT:Let us act decisively in the name of generations to come: declaration by university academics on the 2015 Presidential electionThe presidential election has been announced and each of us will be called upon to exercise our vote as citizens of this country on the 8th of January 2015. It is our considered view that our country is at a historically important juncture at this moment and our decision at this election will have crucial implications for future generations. While we do not believe that all the changes we desire can be achieved overnight, or simply through a regime change, we believe strongly that this presidential election offers a window of opportunity to re-establish democracy, the rule of law and good governance and to address issues of social justice.We note with extreme concern that in the past decade we have witnessed a breakdown of the rule of law and all norms of democracy and good governance and the concentration of both political and economic power in the hands of a few.This has been particularly manifested in:
- The unprecedented politicization of the judiciary and the manipulation of the judicial system which reached a crisis point with the unlawful impeachment of the former Chief Justice.
- The political control over the police, lack of public accountability of the police force, and the alarming levels of human rights violations perpetrated by police personnel.
- The intimidation of journalists and suppression of the free media
- The breakdown of public institutions and services which are now mostly concentrated in the hands of the ruling elite. This breakdown has negatively impacted on our access to such institutions and services which is increasingly determined by the extent to which we can wield influence and power. It has further resulted in public servants being subject to political manipulations, and being victimized for daring to demonstrate any form of independence.
- The politicization of universities which are struggling to function in an environment of poor governance, infringement of academic autonomy and lack of basic funding.
- Increasing intolerance of ethnic, religious and cultural diversity– ethnic and religious intolerance is being cultivated shamelessly in an effort to maintain the hegemony of the ruling elite. Mistrust among communities and groups and the deterioration in the protection and rights of minorities has spiraled.
- Corruption, bribery and waste in connection with economic projects and the creation of a politicized business Mafia.
- Violation of election laws – the complete violation with impunity of election laws has resulted in the impossibility of conducting free and fair elections.
WE URGE OUR FELLOW CITIZENS TO CAREFULLY CONSIDER NOT ONLY THE ABOVE BUT ALSO THE FUTURE OF THE COUNTRY WHEN EXERCISING THEIR CIVIC DUTY. IT IS ONLY THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE THAT CAN ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS. THE TIME HAS ARRIVED FOR EACH OF US TO ACT DECISIVELY IN THE NAME OF GENERATIONS TO COME AND CAST OUR VALUABLE VOTE FOR A CANDIDATE WHO HAS COMMITTED TO:
- Undertake major constitutional reform that prioritizes but is not limited to the
- Abolishing of the Executive Presidency
- Abolishing of the 18th amendment that opens the door to Presidency for life
- Re-enactment of the 17th Amendment which ensured at least a modicum of independence of public institutions including the judiciary, the public service and the police.
- Take concrete and meaningful measures to promote reconciliation and peace with justice and re-settle all displaced people in their places of origin.
- Ensure that government allocates 6% GDP for Public Education and to put in place mechanisms to ensure the quality and standards of public education.
- Substantially increase government spending on Public Health and to put in place mechanisms to ensure the quality and standards of public health.
- Establish national policies on foreign relations, education, health and other important sectors and to ensure that these areas are served by professionals
- Enact a Right to Information Act.
- Protect media freedom.
- Take measures to eliminate corruption, bribery, waste and the business Mafia.
- Depoliticize the public services and business sector.
- Establish good governance devoid of nepotism and abuse of power.
We also make a strong appeal to the Election Commissioner to ensure a free and fair election and to intervene forcefully to prevent the violation of election laws and ensure the safety of all parties concerned.While we will exert pressure on those who are responsible to commit to these issues, we will continue to advocate for the implementation of these proposed constitutional and policy changes even after the presidential election.
NAME AFFILIATION Prof. S. B. S. Abayakoon University of Peradeniya Dr. Upul Abeyrathne University of Ruhuna Mr. H. V. D. I. Abeywickrama University of Ruhuna Dr. S. K. M. Ali University of Ruhuna Dr. Chandana Aluthge University of Colombo Dr. Liyanage Amarakeerthi University of Peradeniya Dr. Harini Amarasuriya Open University of Sri Lanka Ven. Uduhawara Ananda University of Colombo Mr. P. T. K. Arachchige University of Ruhuna Dr. A. K. S. Aramabawaththa University of Peradeniya Prof. S.A Ariadurai Open University of Sri Lanka Dr. Mojith Ariyaratne University of Peradeniya Ven. T. Ariyawimala University of Ruhuna Prof. D. Atapattu University of Ruhuna Dr. S. Baduge University of Ruhuna Prof. H. M. N. Bandara University of Peradeniya Dr. S. Banneheke University of Peradeniya Ms K Bulumulle Open University of Sri Lanka Dr. D.P Chandima University of Moratuwa Dr. A. J. M. Chandradasa University of Ruhuna Mr. D. C. Chandrasiri University of Ruhuna Prof. H. W. Cyril University of Peradeniya Prof. Kumar David Formerly Hong Kong Polytechnic Univ. Mr. W. K. R. Dayalatha University of Ruhuna Mr. Ravi de Mel Open University of Sri Lanka Dr. S. de Mel University of Peradeniya Ms. D. M. R. Deepika University of Ruhuna Prof G Delkumburewatte Open University of Sri Lanka Dr. R. M. K. Deshapriya University of Peradeniya Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri University of Colombo Prof. W. P. S. Dias University of Moratuwa Mr. D. D. Dias University of Peradeniya Ms. M. G. M. Dilrukshi University of Ruhuna Ms. P. K. C. Dinesha University of Ruhuna Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake Univeristy of Colombo Dr. G. Edirisinghe University of Ruhuna Dr. W. P. D. Fernando University of Peradeniya Prof Rohan Fernando Open University of Sri Lanka Dr. Michael Fernando Formerly University of Peradeniya Dr Theodore Fernando Open University of Sri Lanka Prof. Lalith S. Fernando University of Sri Jayawardenapura Mr. W. M. N. Fernando University of Sri Jayawardenapura Dr. Anil Fernando University of Sri Jayawardenapura Mr. Wijith Herath Fernando University of Kelaniya Prof. E. A. G. Fonseka University of Ruhuna Mr. Krishantha Fredricks University of Colombo Mr. Kasun Gajasinghe University of Peradeniya Dr. Ruwan Gallage University of Ruhuna Mr. Indu Gamage University of Ruhuna Ms. Lakmini Gamage University of Ruhuna Dr V.V. Ganeshananthan Harvard University Prof. Savitri Goonesekere Formerly University of Colombo Mr. K. G. P. V. Gunarathna University of Ruhuna Mr. R. R. P. K. Gunarathna University of Ruhuna Dr. S. Gunarathne University of Peradeniya Mr Chandika Gunasinghe University of Ruhuna Mr. Ruvan Gunawardane University of Ruhuna Dr. R. D. Guneratne University of Colombo Prof. Camena Guneratne Open University of Sri Lanka Prof. Dileni Gunewardena University of Peradeniya Dr. Rangika Halwatura University of Moratuwa Dr. Farzana Haniffa University of Colombo Mr. E. H. M. Heenbanda University of Ruhuna Mr. G. P. T. S. Hemakumara University of Ruhuna Dr. K. R. B. Herath University of Peradeniya Dr Shyamani Hettiarachchi University of Kelaniya Dr S.R Hettiarachchi Open University of Sri Lanka Dr. N. K. Hettiarachchi University of Ruhuna Dr. J. Hewage University of Ruhuna Prof. P. Hewage University of Ruhuna Dr. Rajan Hoole University of Jaffna Dr. Kirupa Hoole University of Jaffna Mr J.H.S.K. Jayamaha Open University of Sri Lanka Ms. R. Jayaneththi University of Peradeniya Mr. G. G. Jayarathne University of Moratuwa Dr. T. Jayasingham Eastern University of Sri Lanka Dr. R. D. Jayasinghe University of Peradeniya Dr. Prabhath Jayasinghe University of Colombo Dr. R. Jayasinghe University of Peradeniya Dr. Vajira Jayasinghe University of Peradeniya Dr. B. C. Jayawardana University of Peradeniya Prof. U. de. S. Jayawardena University of Peradeniya Dr. Janaki Jayawardena Univeristy of Colombo Dr. Ananda Jayawickrama University of Peradeniya Ms. H. A. C. Jeewanthi University of Ruhuna Dr. Silan Kadirgamar University of Jaffna Mr. S. Kahandagamage University of Ruhuna Dr. Pavithra Kailasapathy University of Colombo Dr. D. Karunanayake University of Peradeniya Mr. M. S. M. Karunarathne University of Ruhuna Dr. A. H. G. K. Karunaraththna University of Sri Jayawardenapura Mr. A. C. Karunaratna University of Ruhuna Dr. D. G. G. P. Karunaratne University of Peradeniya Mr. Nandasiri Keembiyahetti University of Ruhuna Prof G. Keerawella University of Peradeniya Dr. S.I. Keethaponcalan University of Salisbury Dr. S. P. Kodituwakku University of Peradeniya Dr. Shamala Kumar University of Peradeniya Prof. Vijay Kumar Formerly University of Peradeniya Prof. N. S. Kumar Formerly University of Peradeniya Dr. Kumudu Kusum Kumara University of Colombo Mr. W. A. M. Kumara University of Ruhuna Dr. P. A. P.S. Kumara University of Ruhuna Prof. Amal S. Kumarage University of Moratuwa Dr. Pivithuru Kumarasinghe University of Sri Jayawardenapura Mr. W. M. R. Laksiri University of Ruhuna Mrs. R. Liyanage University of Peradeniya Prof. R. P. Mahaliayanaarachchi Sabaragamuwa University Mr. R. Maheswaran University of Peradeniya Ven.Dr. U. Mahinda University of Ruhuna Dr. D. H. S. Maithripala University of Peradeniya Ven. Makola Mangala University of Ruhuna Dr. A. Manipura University of Peradeniya Mr. S. Mantillake University of Peradeniya Ms. Prabha Manuratne University of Kelaniya Dr. A. L. M. Mauroof University of Peradeniya Dr. Vivimarie V. Medwattegedera Open University of Sri Lanka Dr. Madhava Meegaskumbura University of Peradeniya Dr. R. Meegaskumbura University of Peradeniya Prof. Nayani Melagoda Univeristy of Colombo Dr. Mahim Mendis Open University of Sri Lanka Dr. Iresha Mendis University of Peradeniya Dr N. Morais Open University of Sri Lanka Mr. M. S. Nanayakkara University of Ruhuna Dr. B. G. T. L. Nandasena University of Peradeniya Prof. A. M. Navaratna Bandara University of Peradeniya Dr Vasuki Nesiah New York University Mr. S. N. Niles University of Moratuwa Prof. Mahesan Niranjan University of Southampton Mr. K. S. G. S. Nishantha University of Ruhuna Prof. M. A. Nuhman University of Peradeniya Prof. Gananath Obeyesekere Formerly Princeton University Prof. Ranjini Obeyesekere Formerly Princeton University Dr. R. Palamakumbura University of Peradeniya Mr. W. A. Palitha University of Ruhuna Dr. R. W. Pallegama University of Peradeniya Dr. Gihan Panagoda University of Peradeniya Mr. Upali Pannilage University of Ruhuna Prof. A. Parakrama University of Peradeniya Dr. M. P. Paranagama University of Peradeniya Dr. Dharmasena Pathiraja Formerly Univeristy of Colombo Prof. S. D. Pathirana University of Peradeniya Mr. L. K. K. Peiris University of Ruhuna Dr. H. R. D. Peiris University of Peradeniya Dr. P. Perera University of Peradeniya Mr. K. E. D. Perera University of Ruhuna Dr M.E.R Perera Open University of Sri Lanka Prof. Kapila Perera University of Moratuwa Dr. Himan Punchihewa University of Moratuwa Dr. D. D. J. Punchihewa University of Sri Jayawardenapura Mr. A. Rajapaksha University of Peradeniya Mr. W. P. S. Rajapaksha University of Ruhuna Prof. R. M. G. Rajapakshe University of Peradeniya Prof. Dharma Rajapakshe University of Ruhuna Mr. K. H. Ramanayake University of Ruhuna Dr. H. Rambukwella Open University of Sri Lanka Mr. R. A. S. P. Ranabahu University of Ruhuna Dr. D. Randeniya University of Peradeniya Mr. S. Rasnayake University of Peradeniya Mr. R. M. D. D. Rathnayake University of Ruhuna Mr Sithumini Ratnamalala University of Moratuwa Dr. A. C. Ratnaweera University of Peradeniya Dr. Prasanna Ratnaweera Open University of Sri Lanka Mr. Rohana Ratnayake Open University of Sri Lanka Dr. Anura Ratnayake University of Ruhuna Mr. L. K. G. Roshana University of Ruhuna Dr. A. J. Ruhunuhewa University of Ruhuna Dr. T. S. Samarakoon University of Peradeniya Attoney-at-Law D. Samararatne University of Colombo Prof. Gameela Samarasinghe University of Colombo Ms. Tanuja Sandanayake University of Moratuwa Mr. A. P. Santhasiri University of Ruhuna Dr. I. M. S. Sathyaprasad University of Peradeniya Dr. Nihal Senanayake Open University of Sri Lanka Mr. G. Senarath University of Ruhuna Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi Sabaragamuwa University Prof. K. G. S. C. Seneviratne University of Peradeniya Prof. Rev. Agalakada Sirisumana Univeristy of Colombo Dr. S. Sivamohan University of Peradeniya Dr. Daya Somasundaram University of Jaffna Dr. H. P. Sooriyaarachchi University of Ruhuna Dr. H. N. S. Soysa University of Peradeniya Dr. B. M. Sumanaratne University of Ruhuna Mr. Chandraguptha Thenuwara University of Visual and Performing Arts Dr. Sharika Thiranagama University of Stanford Mr. Dayapala Thiranagama Formerly University of Kelaniya Prof. Asanga Tilakaratne University of Colombo Dr. N. D. Udagama University of Peradeniya Dr. D. Udakara University of Peradeniya Dr. Anura Uthunmange University of Sri Jayawardenapura Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda Univeristy of Colombo Dr. Vidura Vithana University of Ruhuna Prof. Manjula Vithanapathirana University of Colombo Dr. L. D. Sarath Vitharana University of Kelaniya Ven. N. Wajiraghana University of Ruhuna Prof. K. S. Walgama University of Peradeniya Dr. S. K. Wanniarachchi University of Ruhuna Prof. S. Wawwage University of Ruhuna Dr H.L.D Weerahewa Open University of Sri Lanka Prof. Ruwan Weerasekera University of Moratuwa Dr. A. R. Weerasinghe University of Colombo Prof. P. Wickramagamage University of Peradeniya Prof. C. S. Wickramagamage University of Peradeniya Prof. Maithri Wickramasinghe University of Kelaniya Dr. J. V. Wijayakulasooriya University of Peradeniya Ms. Gayatri Wijekoon University of Peradeniya Mr. S. Wijeratne University of Ruhuna Mr. Wimal Wijesinghe University of Ruhuna Mr. W. A. N. D. Wijesinghe University of Ruhuna Mr. T. R. Wijesundara University of Ruhuna Dr. Tilak Wijesundara University of Ruhuna Prof. R. L. Wijeyeweera University of Peradeniya Mr. N. A. Wimalasena University of Peradeniya Mr. P. H. Wimalasiri University of Ruhuna Mr B.D. Witharana Open University of Sri Lanka
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