NGO cries halt to Aragalaya

by PRIYAN DE SILVA

Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) Manjula Gajanayake said that it was time for the youth at Gotagogama to put their protest on hold and think of ways in which they can contribute to develop the country’s political sphere.

“IRES believes that the youth at Gotagogama should be represented in Parliament and that they should contest the next Parliamentary election” Gajanayake said.

He said the acting president Ranil Wickremesinghe had agreed to several proposals made by the youth which included the establishment of a People’s Council which would include youth representatives

Gajanayake reiterated that being represented on the council was not sufficient and youth should be in the legislature.

He pointed out that the Election Commission of Sri Lanka had already drafted a law to regulate campaign finance as well as proposed changes to the outdated election laws which would make future elections more free and fair. But unfortunately the six-point action plan presented by the Gotagogama youth does not give due consideration to ECSL’s proposals.

“It would be prudent if the Gotagogama youth be more flexible and engage more with stakeholders including the ECSL which would give them a better opportunity to enter the legislature” Gajanayake said.