Joint Chambers together with Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and Joint Apparel Association Forum call upon the President to take immediate steps to appoint a competent person as the interim Prime Minister and a small Cabinet of Ministers to be appointed in consultation with the Prime Minister acceptable to all leading political parties represented in Parliament.
This must be done with immediate effect in order to take urgent action to restore law and order and economic activity in the country.
Further, it is abundantly clear that concluding the IMF staff level agreement in a timely manner as planned, could be jeopardized due to the absence of a legitimate government, Joint Chambers and Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka said. .
While awaiting the IMF program, it is critical that Sri Lanka secures Bridge Financing to help get through the next six months, they added.
They also called upon all political parties to leave aside their political agendas and differences in order to support the formation of an interim government under a leadership accepted by all
Joint chambers and CA Sri Lanka has urged the expediting of much needed constitutional amendment to repeal the 20th amendment and abolishment of the executive presidency within a reasonable timeframe through a consensual approach.
These organizations requested the President to respect the voice of the public and resigns immediately after the interim government is firmly in place.
They appealed to the people of this country to remain calm and not resort to violence that will make it even harder for the country to emerge from this crisis while urging all religious leaders to advise the public on the need to desist from violence while expressing their voice in a peaceful manner as done so effectively up to yesterday.
In a statement the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) noted that the violence that erupted on the streets of Colombo and in other parts of Sri Lankaon Monday, and the resultant loss of life is both unfortunate and deeply saddening.
They call upon leaders and authorities to immediately restore political stability across the country. They should also ensure a safe living and working environment for all people, as the country collectively navigates through this very difficult crisis.
By the same token, they strongly support the efforts taken by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka to ensure a peaceful, democratic transition of power. It is critical that a new government be appointed urgently to all the current political vacuum.
