ETHICAL POLITY
Nation building on a solid foundation
As Sri Lanka grapples with its current debt crisis and strives for sustainable economic development, it is crucial to recognise that a solid foundation must be laid before formulating an effective development strategy. The key prerequisites that need to be addressed, including constitutional reforms, human rights protections, anti-corruption measures, de-politicisation of public institutions, promotion of equality and inclusion, and curbing the concentration of political power in the hands of the global and local elite.
Government with a peoples mandate
Ensure a democratic and inclusive governance system to strengthen citizenship rights by holding open, fair and timely elections.
Constitutional reforms and human rights protections
Abolish Executive Presidency and adopt decentralised governance structure, and to foster an environment that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals, essential for social cohesion and sustainable development.
Independent public institutions and autonomous civil society
De-politicise public institutions and ensure merit and expertise based appointments and promotions, rather than political affiliation.
Ant-corruption measures and accountability for previous incidents
Build public trust in institutions by strengthen legal framework and ensuring swift and impartial prosecution of corrupt individuals in public and private sectors.
Engaged political solution to ethnic conflict and national question
Address grievances and aspirations of minority communities, ensuring their rights and representation in decision-making processes to promote social harmony and unity among its diverse population, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity.
Equality and inclusion
Eliminate discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all its citizens (regardless of ethnic, religious, gender, locality, caste, sexual orientation and socio-economic differences)
Free press, independent judiciary and strong enforcement
Allow for the dissemination of unbiased information, exposing corruption, promoting transparency, and empowering citizens with knowledge to safeguard the rule of law, protect individual rights, and prevent abuse of power
Simple and fair trading environment
Attract foreign direct investment (for projects aligned to industrial strategy), boosting economic growth and creating employment opportunities for its citizens with living wages.
Countering local elite power and global elite influence
Implement measures such as campaign finance reforms, greater transparency in political party funding, and measures to prevent undue influence over policy decisions and to promote a more level playing field in politics, to ensure that the interests of all citizens are represented.