We seem to be in the midst of a civilisational crisis; a crisis that encompasses all dimensions of social life; economic-social- political- cultural and moral. It appears that leaders on whom we used to set our hopes not only have been unsuccessful in arresting the escalating crisis situation; rather they are becoming a part of the problem.
Under the current system, we, the people of this country, are politically displaced as citizens; we are not participants in the governing processes of society and life. Decision-making is a top down process, in which we don’t have any say; what is expected from us is to loudly approve and silently follow. The system does not expect us to come together at grassroots/community level as citizens to discuss our common life and predicaments; there is no common political space for us. There is no space secured for us also because our society is crisscrossed with many social fault-lines that divide us as people, making it difficult for us to converge as Sri Lankans.
Are we to continue in the same manner or are we finally going to decide to go against all the odds and create our own spaces , to transform our country into a just, peaceful and prosperous society which respects diversity and guarantees the well being of all ?
Formation of a People’s Movement
It is in this light that the National Anti War Front has decided to form a People’s Movement, where citizens’ platforms will be strengthened and will join forces with the numerous citizen based initiatives grappling with the crisis in the country. This national convergence of people is the first land mark of the new unconventional people’s power process; it is both the hope and proof.
Our mission is to provide leadership and facilitation in building a challenging people’s movement capable of spiritual, cultural, social and structural transformation. Our objectives are as follows:
(i) Develop a code of ethics through our own behaviour and practices and set it before the people.
(ii) Transform people from being passive observers to informed citizens and agents of transformation
(iii) Build forums, platforms, opportunities and spaces capable of engaging both the ‘likeminded’ and ‘un-likeminded’ stakeholders with the aim of building networks of transformation
(iv) Build opportunities and spaces to promote alternative social and cultural practices strengthening the foundations of multiculturalism and coexistence
A Peoples Appeal
A People’s Appeal has been compiled after widespread consultations conducted by the National Anti War Front (NAWF) in 22 districts and sectors throughout the country. Over a hundred people in each district took part in these consultations. Consultations were held with the youth, trade unions, women, religious leaders and ordinary citizens. Further, a series of meetings were held with experts in various subjects, so that the People’s Appeal will benefit from the knowledge available in this country. Finally, a draft of the People’s Appeal was presented to over 300 representatives from all the 9 provinces. The Manifesto is truly a vision of the people from all walks of life.
This Manifesto will be presented for ratification at the People’s Convention to be held on the 10th of November 2007. The convention is the culmination of 5 years of work done by the NAWF. Over 5000 representatives committed to the values and objectives of the NAWF will attend the Convention. It will be represented by individuals from all districts, from various sectors, organisations and political parties.
The People’s Appeal will be the basis of a national campaign to further the debate on the profound crisis which has engulfed the country. The People’s Appeal which will be presented at the convention will address over 20 issues affecting the country’s future. It will call for the control of the executive power of the Presidential system through a system of checks and balances to hold it accountable to Parliament. In addition, it presents the following:
4 It calls for a reform of the electoral system and a select committee to be appointed to ensure that candidates who wish to contest elections are of good standing and integrity.
4 It calls for serious efforts to arrest massive frauds and the robbery of the assets of the country and means to strengthen the Bribery Commission.
4 It calls for a negotiated solution to the ethnic conflict and calls for a cessation of hostilities as we feel that the war is un-winnable and as such is a severe drain of the country’s resources.
4 It calls for a restoration of the 17th Amendment,
4 It calls for a higher representation of women in Parliament, local councils and other public bodies
4 It calls for steps towards the reform of the economy which would enable the country’s resources to be utilised for the betterment of its people.
The Appeal is a comprehensive report drawn from the grassroots communities of the country.
The need for a Non Party People’s Movement
One of the problems Sri Lanka has faced over the years is the lack of a non party people’s movement which can act as a powerful instrument of social change. Those people’s movements which existed have been destroyed because of internal conflicts and lack of direction. Another factor is that potential movements have resisted building a membership movement and electing the leaders through a transparent process. Further, leaders either continue throughout their lifetime or transfer their power over to their children. As a result of all these factors, the existing movements lack dynamism and creativity and have become moribund. This will not be case with the National Anti War Front. It has learnt the lessons from the past. NAWF intends to give a voice to the voiceless.
I am of the opinion that Sri Lankans need a renewal – a radical change. We need to re-image our life as people. We should be determined to become true authors of our common future. I believe that this voice will be heard by many who will join the march and strengthen and enrich the emerging people’s movement in Sri Lanka. Such a change must come from within ourselves. We have to take responsibility for the crisis that is before us. We have to reflect on our own passivity and responsibility. We have voted for successive governments in the hope that conditions will become better, but we have not acted as citizens, exercising our rights as free citizens of the country. We have been too passive.
It is my belief that change must come through dialogue and discussion. No single party or individual is responsible for this crisis. It is the collective responsibility of human folly. We have to speak to our leaders and we have to use nonviolent methods for peaceful change. There has been too much of violence and we have to reverse the trend. I appeal to all citizens to join forces to transform our society to gain the prosperity and well being that we all deserve.
Daily Mirror
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