Noting that the 36-day movement is not confined to Galle Face but countrywide nor it was a carnival but a genuine protest, the campaigners in trilingual briefing listed the demands as President Rajapaksa must step down immediately; setting up an interim Government /Cabinet with 15 Cabinet Ministers; cut privileges enjoyed by MPs; no place in Cabinet for those accused of corruption and action to recover stolen wealth of the State and the public; constitutional reforms including reintroduction of 19th Amendment and introduce 21st Amendment; abolish Executive Presidency; create an environment for peaceful co-existence, inclusivity and unity, and resolve economic crisis and stimulate economic development, social security; legal reforms; ensure human rights and do away with draconian laws and regulations; appoint a crimes commission and right to life introduced in the Constitution; and ensure free and fair elections and laws to tackle election campaign financing.
Daily FT
Click here to subscribe to ESSF newsletters in English and/or French.