CA Sri Lanka says people’s right to protest must be respected

Accountancy body, CA Sri Lanka said on Wednesday that the people’s right to protest and their voices heard by the government should be respected and permitted.

“At CA Sri Lanka, we respect the rights of the citizens to hold peaceful demonstrations and have their voices heard by the government. We also urge the masses to remain non-violent during their protests, as violence will not achieve democratic ideals, nor will it promote economic growth,” it said in a statement.

CA Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the current situation which has engulfed the entire nation. “We urge the government, in consultation with all political parties, to formulate a plan, including engagement with the International Monetary Fund. This, in our opinion, must be the priority while we look at addressing the concerns raised by the public,” it said.

All political parties in this country should come to a consensus and urgently appoint a team to negotiate with the IMF, thereby ensuring that there is no delay to this most crucial process.

“Therefore, we call upon the government, the main opposition party, and all other political parties to unite and to immediately provide a resolution to the current economic and financial crisis faced by the country in the best interest of the country. As a national body of professionals, we are ready to offer our services and support as required to assist the country in formulating the required plans and processes to mitigate the effects of the current economic and financial crisis,” it said.