Both Mahanayake Theras of Malwattte and Asgiri Chapters commended the steps being taken by the President to alleviate the severe economic, political and social instability in the country and create stability. He also pointed out that a proper policy mechanism should be set up urgently to reduce the rising cost of living and alleviate social unrest. Mahanayake of Malwatte Chapter Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera and Mahanayake of Asgiriya chapter Most Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera in a letter to the President said that the President will have proper understanding of the social pressure that has arisen due to the economic contraction, soaring inflation, poor state management, as well as the electricity and water tariff , which has been increased to an unaffordable rate and the soaring prices of essential commodities.
The Mahanayake Theras said that the government should work immediately to implement policies to successfully face the emerging economic challenges and reduce the rising cost of living and secure people’s lives. They said that they believe that all parties must fully understand their duties and responsibilities to stabilize the country economically at this critical time.
“For that purpose, we have pointed out the need to present a series of practical and sustainable policies throughout the past period”, the letter said. They have reiterated the need to discard party politics and implement long-term plans based on a national policy for the benefit of the people.
Instead of placing the entire burden of the economic crisis on the people, we have emphasized that public funds should be properly managed. They said that corruption needs to be prevented, public resources should not be misused, public representatives should be barred from enjoying unlimited privileges.
“The public’s suffering should be minimized through practical solutions”, the letter said. The Mahanayake Theras added that postponement of the local government elections has caused some unrest among the public.“It is well known to you as a democratic leader who respects the sovereignty of the people that preserving democracy means establishing the sovereignty of the people through a thousand and fair elections.
Therefore, it is the government’s responsibility to conduct the local government election as scheduled.”, the letter said.
Public protests about existing problems should not be implemented with the aim of creating political, social and economic instability in the country. The public should have the right to express their opinions freely in accordance with the legal boundaries of the country.
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