Civil society group Justice for All has requested a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and senior government officials to discuss pressing socio‑economic challenges facing Sri Lanka.

In an open letter dated April 10, Convenor M. A. Sumanthiran outlined concerns raised during a consultation held on April 7, which examined the impact of the war in West Asia on Sri Lanka’s foreign policy, economy, education, health, and food security.

The letter emphasized the need for national preparedness and public information to address short, medium, and long‑term challenges. 

Key recommendations included adopting a neutral foreign policy with humanitarian considerations, strengthening economic planning, decentralizing decision‑making in education and health, and urgent measures to safeguard food security amid global supply chain disruptions.

Justice for All noted that similar initiatives were undertaken during the 2022 economic crisis to foster dialogue and consensus, and expressed hope that the government would engage constructively in the upcoming discussions. (Newswire)

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The Justice for All collective has called for inclusive and accountable political leadership in responding to the humanitarian crisis triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which has left hundreds dead, missing, or displaced across Sri Lanka.

In a statement, the group questioned whether all necessary disaster preparedness mechanisms, including those outlined in the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, were fully operational. It also expressed concern over the scope and relevance of emergency regulations imposed after the state of emergency was declared on Nov. 28.

The collective urged the government to uphold President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s commitment to limit the use of emergency powers strictly to disaster response, warning against any infringement on democratic rights.

While acknowledging that rescue and relief efforts remain the immediate priority, the group stressed the need for equitable, conflict-sensitive recovery plans and long-term structural reforms. It called on all political parties to set aside divisions and collaborate on a national recovery strategy.

Parliamentarians were also urged to exercise effective oversight of public spending and ensure transparency and accountability throughout the response.

“We also call on all political parties and actors not to politicise this catastrophic humanitarian tragedy for partisan political campaigns. Finally, we urge the government and all political parties to come together without further delay to deliberate and agree upon measures that need to be taken in the interest of all people in the country,” the statement said. 

The appeal was signed by a group of civil and political leaders, including Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda, Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne PC, Eran Wickramaratne, M.A. Sumanthiran PC, Saliya Peiris PC, MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Bhavani Fonseka, Ermiza Tegal, Nadishani Perera, Jerusha Crosette-Thambiah, Ravinthran Niloshan and Benislos Thushan. (Newswire)

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Justice for All, a non-governmental organisation, has called for the committee report containing recommendations for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to be made public. 

Issuing a statement, Justice for All said it has always consistently advocated for the complete repeal of the PTA.

“We have seen news reports that the Committee appointed to draft the Act to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act handed over its report and the draft bill to the Minister of Justice.

“The Prevention of Terrorism Temporary Provisions Act No. 48 of 1979 has universally been regarded as a draconian piece of legislation that must be taken off the statute books for quite a long time now,” Justice for All said in a statement. 

Stating that the NPP Election Manifesto also promises to repeal the same, Justice for All said it is hopeful that the new draft bill will fully reflect this promise.

The organization further called upon the government, and the Minister of Justice in particular, to make public the said report and the draft bill. (Newswire)

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