In a recent press release, the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) expressed solidarity with those protesting the Rajapaksa regime in Sri Lanka and called for “the governance structure” of the country to be “comprehensively overhauled”, stating that the current demonstrations could serve as a catalyst for structural and meaningful change in Sri Lanka.
Over the past few weeks, the island has seen continuous and spontaneous demonstrations in response to an economic crisis that has crippled the country. Demonstrators have demanded the resignation of president Gotabaya Rajapaksa as well as all of the Rajapaksa family members who have dominated Sri Lankan politics for years.
GTF has characterized these movements as remarkable and hopeful, stating that it is “critical that this momentum should not be lost but lead to a historic transformation in the country”.
However, the diaspora organisation also noted that there is “widespread apathy and cynicism among the Tamils regarding the present developments in the country”. “Tamils in Sri Lanka have been struggling for their political rights over many decades,” the statement added, with current Tamil protests calling for the demilitarization of the Tamil regions, accountability for genocide, and justice for families of the disappeared. “Despite many commitments given locally and internationally by the SL leaders, progress has been marginal at best, and the support from civil society from the South has been negligible,” GTF added.
It went on to outline two key features of a reformed state. The first is to abolish the “Executive Presidency and [empower] the Parliament to be the center of power”. The second feature would be “ensuring meaningful power devolution” to all regions as a way to empower all communities.
GTF adds that effective transitional governance necessitates the support of international institutions and governments.
Read the Global Tamil Forum's full statement here.
