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Collective of university lecturers, attorneys, and professionals declares support for SJB candidate
View(s):A group of professionals, including university lecturers, attorneys, and experts, has formed the “Collective of University Lecturers, Attorneys, and Professionals” to support Sajith Premadasa, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate.
This collective was launched on Friday, August 23, with the goal of endorsing Mr. Premadasa’s candidacy in the upcoming election, emphasising his potential to address the nation’s economic, judicial, and political challenges.
Upul Jayasuriya addressing the media during the launch. Pic by Priyanka Samaraweera
At the launch, Attorney-at-Law Upul Jayasuriya highlighted the need for a presidential candidate with a clear strategic vision, arguing that Mr. Premadasa’s manifesto fits this description.
Mr. Jayasuriya criticised the current government for its lack of a strategic plan to attract investors, which he sees as crucial for Sri Lanka’s economic development.
He proposed that tax relief is necessary to attract foreign investment and increase dollar inflows, a strategy he feels the present government lacks the foresight to implement. Mr. Jayasuriya also underscored the importance of judicial independence, which he claims the current administration has failed to maintain.
He cited incidents of governmental interference in state organisations and praised the Supreme Court for resisting such pressure, especially in its ruling that delaying local government elections was a human rights violation.
Specialist Ajith Amarasinghe echoed the need for informed voting, emphasising the impact of heavy taxation on the middle class and advocating for tax relief. He highlighted the SJB’s commitment to introducing a new, equitable tax plan, reducing the current tax rate from 36% to 24%.
Dr. Amarasinghe stressed that such relief is vital for easing the burden on the middle class and urged voters to choose a leader who prioritises fairness in economic policies.
Dr. Athulasiri Samarakoon, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Studies, questioned the government’s recent promises of financial relief, noting inconsistencies in their approach. He criticised the government for claiming it lacked funds to raise salaries for university staff but suddenly finding resources to make election-related promises.
Dr. Samarakoon praised the SJB’s clear and actionable financial relief plan and their commitment to introducing a new constitution, which he believes is crucial for addressing systemic issues in the country.
Dr. Mahim Mendis, Former Dean of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences of the Open University, emphasised the importance of educating voters to make informed decisions. He highlighted that the SJB offers a socio-democratic alternative, aiming to ensure dignity, equality, and fair representation for all communities.
Dr Mendis said that the upcoming election is critical for shaping the nation’s future and that a well-informed electorate is essential for the country’s progress.
Attorney-at-Law Manoj Nanayakkara stressed that meaningful change in Sri Lanka requires significant revisions to the country’s legal framework. Reflecting on public disillusionment, Mr. Nanayakkara criticised the current regime for undermining the judiciary through interference and manipulation, eroding the principles of justice and fairness. He urged citizens to elect leaders driven by humanity and genuine concern for the people, emphasising the need for legal and systemic reforms.
Attorney-at-Law Kapila Mahawatta addressed the cyclical pattern of disillusionment and reactionary voting in Sri Lanka, which he believes has led to short-lived governments that fail to address the country’s root challenges. He proposed implementing formalised laws and a strategic plan to guide voters towards more thoughtful and informed choices.
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