The Chief Prelates of four Chapters in a letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday stated that it is the responsibility of Legislators to understand the causes of the crisis and ensure the people’s right to life, without sticking to narrow political agendas.
They pointed out that if the current regime does not succeed in this, it is the most timely step to be taken to hand over the Government to a group of scholars who can create political stability and face the economic challenges ahead of the country successfully.
The letter points out 10 proposals to the President and Party Leaders including the appointment of a non-partisan All-Party Government. The letter has been signed by the Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter Most Ven.Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera, Mahanayake of Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, Mahanayake of the Amarapura Chapter Most Ven. Dodampahala Chandrasiri Thera and the Mahanayake of the Ramannaya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Wimala Thera
The Chief Prelates state that they have informed the President on several occasions about the severe difficulties faced by people due to the political and economic instability in the country and the steps to be taken to resolve the crisis by gaining public trust.
The Chief Prelates also requested the President to ensure the immediate well-being of the public through political and economic stability and urge to pass the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and thereby bring economic stability to provide relief to the public.“The term of the All-Party Government should be limited to six months and the term should be extended to 12 or 18 months with the consent of all party leaders, The Chief Prelates said that if there is no agreement among all parties to appoint a party leader as the head of the All-Party Government, an internationally recognised non-partisan Sri Lankan citizen should be appointed to assume that responsibility agreed upon by all party leaders.“If the Executive and the Legislature fail to bring about political stability in the country and successfully face the economic challenges, minimise the rising Cost of Living and secure public life, then handing over the Government to a group of scholars who have the ability to do so without aggravating the public suffering will be praised by all Sri Lankans,” the letter said.