Resignation of govt. prerequisite for political, economic and social stability – DEW

‘Curfews, curbs on social media won’t help’

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Former Communist Party General Secretary D.E.W. Gunasekera yesterday (08) said that the country was in such a precarious situation that the government had to quit forthwith to pave the way for a genuine all-party government.Such an arrangement was a prerequisite to restore political stability urgently required to achieve economic recovery, the veteran politician said.

At a Gathering of Opposition political forces in Colombo, he said was a manifestation of growing opposition to Gotabaya –Ranil administration.

The former Minister emphasised that public confidence in the current dispensation had deteriorated to such an extent, the growing political challenge couldn’t be neutralized by imposing curfew or obtaining court directives against public gatherings in Colombo.

“I’m sure the government quite clearly understands ground realities. Therefore, the top leadership should engage those engaged in the protest campaign,” the outspoken former lawmaker said.

Responding to The Island queries, the CP Leader urged the government to avoid what he called traditional counter measures such as blanket ban on social media as the campaign against the government had entered a phase that couldn’t be reversed.

The former minister said that those who had been engaged in the campaign since April 09 quite successfully integrated with recognized political parties, including the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).