CALD Resolution No. 5 S. 2003

CALD Resolution No. 5 S. 2003

Resolution urging the President and the Prime Minister to work together amicably for the preservation of the Sri Lankan state and the establishment of a truly democratic framework wherein all citizens may live securely with the freedom to develop their potential and exercise all such rights as are fundamental to a just society

Viewing with concern the current crisis in Sri Lanka, where the two major parties seem to confront each other without any willingness to compromise;

Aware that on several occasions in the past major party rivalry has stymied attempts at devolution which would have provided a democratic framework for minorities that felt themselves not satisfactorily represented in the central parliament;

Regretting that such intransigence on the part of both major parties contributed to the emergence of a terrorist movement that seems determined to establish a separate state, and has not disavowed nor refrained from acts of violence during what purports to be a ceasefire;

Noting that both the proposals advanced by the government, without consultation of other parties in parliament, and the counter proposals of the Tigers that are contrary to customary federal practice, endow the Tigers with absolute power in an unelected interim administration that will continue for five years;

Surprised that the Tigers are successfully able to insist that the extreme positions they advance must be discussed whilst absolutely refusing to countenance certain positions on the other side;

Believing that only cooperation between the two major parties based on a commitment to much more devolution of power will allow for democracy and freedom to flourish in Sri Lanka;

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats hereby urges the President and the Prime Minister to work together amicably for the preservation of the Sri Lankan state and the establishment of a truly democratic framework wherein all citizens may live securely with the freedom to develop their potential and exercise all such rights as are fundamental to a just society.

For the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats:

M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, MP

Chairman

Bangkok, Thailand November 22, 2003