Colombo, May 5: A leading Sri Lankan newspaper on Thursday urged the opposition to embrace the suggestion of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and form an interim government without delay in a bid to end the country’s unprecedented economic crisis.
The Island newspaper said in an editorial on Thursday an all-party interim government will be a short-term measure involving religious leaders, professional associations, the SLFP, the SLPP rebels and others who stand for political stability.
And without political stability, the ongoing efforts to resuscitate the economy were bound to go pear-shaped, it warned.
“The Opposition should agree to this arrangement. After the economy is put back on an even keel, an election can be held, and that will be the end of the current regime,” it added.
The Island advised the opposition to first restore people’s faith in Parliament because this is something that has been lost, particularly in the wake of the unprecedented financial crisis that has triggered widespread shortages of all essential commodities.
“There is absolutely no need for politicians to drum up popular support for the widespread anti-government protests. The people have mobilised themselves, and overtaken politicians.”
The editorial warned: “It will be a huge mistake for the Opposition politicians to think they will be able to capture power and reign supreme if Parliament is dissolved. The next Parliament is bound to be hung if an election is held anytime soon; the irate public will not vote overwhelmingly for any party.
“They are demanding that all 225 MPs go home. Even if an election is held soon and a new government formed with a comfortable majority, the current economic problems will not go away.”
(UNI)
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