As women and citizens of this country we denounce the blatant attempt to grab and retain power at any cost. Our politicians believe power and brute force can win over rights and principles. Their actions have led to political and financial uncertainty. Women bear an unfair burden of thecost of political and financial uncertainty.
The architects of this political crisis enjoy a climate of impunity. They do not believe they are accountable to the citizens of this country and least of all to women.
You have captured positions of power through political thuggery. You have made a mockery of our franchise. We reject all efforts to normalize this unethical and flagrant abuse of executive power. This is a betrayal of our sovereignty, which cannot be bartered for money and power.
Sri Lankan politics has a long history of violence, cheating and habitual betrayalof the people’s mandate. The current crisis is an example and consequence of this culture.
We will not tolerate this any longer. These actions can never be condoned. They cannot be normalized.
We call for a broader and inclusive ideal of democracy.Our ideal of democracymust include political as well as economic, social and cultural justice and equality. We stand for a democracy that is meaningful to all ethnicities and identity groups. A democracythatprotects those made vulnerable due to gender, identity, poverty, geography, or livelihood.
We will fight to create an ethical political culture and to dismantle this culture of violence and thuggery. Political office is not your personal privilege or birthright. You are not entitled to our vote to further your political power or gain. You have no right to barter our sovereignty.
We women condemn your actions! We are watching you! We will hold you accountable! We despise your actions and will never again vote you into political office. We will talk about your crimes at home, in the market, at our workplace. We will not stop exposing you. We will make sure that your shame will follow you like your shadow.
• WE WOMEN WILL FIGHT FOR AN ETHICAL POLITICAL CULTURE
• OUR VOTE IS NOT FOR POWER HUNGRY POLITICIANS!
• WE REJECT THE AUTHORITARIAN EXECUTIVE!
• WE DENOUNCE POWER GRABBING POLITICAL CONSPIRACIES!
• UNETHICAL POLITICS MAY BE NORMAL FOR YOU
NOT FOR US!
4 December 2018