The October ordeal which plunged our country into a political crisis has now with the intervention of the Supreme Court brought about a glimmer of hope and light, creating necessary breathing space in the given time for the Legislature (Parliament) and the Executive, both elected by the peoples franchise to resolve the deadlock and address the issues of the nation
- The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) whilst acknowledging that our country is facing a crucial test in her history, graciously welcomes the move of the Judiciary for collective responsibility on the part of the Legislature. In this context, we call upon all political parties represented in the Parliament to:
- Put aside their political and ideological differences, refrain from personal agendas and work together for the welfare of all people whom they represent.
- Act with transparency and foresight to gain the confidence and acceptance of the people, rejecting undemocratic procedures, abuse of power, and manipulations of bribery, corruption and intimidation.
- Be mindful of the prevailing political instability which could lead to severe economic crisis resulting in an erosion of investor confidence, business environment and its telling effect on the day to day lives of the people.
- Adopt a approach towards a ‘reconciliatory government’ represented by all parties in the parliament to genuinely address the grave issues of cost of living, debt service, development, ethnic and religious cooperation and harmony till the end of the term of parliament and ensure that subsequent elections are called in time.
We also call upon all religious leadership to step in at this crucial time to assert their role as spiritual guides, giving rightful direction to both their flock and the political leadership, mindful of their respective hallowed teachings with sincerity and truth.
We request the media to act with restrain and responsibility without seeking business or political gain or advantage and for civil society to boldly stand for justice.
We also call upon the general public to maintain a moderate behavior at this crucial time respecting the law and order of the country without falling into any kind of inducement or favour.
As a religious entity, The National Christian council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) is genuinely concerned at the present turn of events, assures the nation of its prayers and fullest support for the maintenance of law, order and sanity in the affairs of the people and stands fully committed towards this goal at all times.
16.11.2018
Signed
Rev. Heshan De Silva, Chairperson of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka, and President, Sri Lanka Baptist Sangamaya
Rt. Rev. D.R. Canagasabey –Bishop of Colombo, Church of Ceylon, Diocese of Colombo
Rev. Saman Perera President, Presbytery of Lanka
Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel S. Thiagarajah, Bishop of Jaffna Diocese, Church of South India
Rev. Asiri P. Perera, President/Bishop, Methodist Church of Sri Lanka
Rt. Rev. Keerthisiri Fernando – Bishop of the Church of Ceylon , Diocese of Kurunegala
Rev. Shirley Faber, President, Christian Reformed Church
Colonel Yousaf Masiah ,Territorial Commander, The Salvation Army
Rev. G. Nadarajah, President, Lanka Lutheran Church
Rev. Michael Dissanayake, General Superintendent and Chairman, Assemblies of God of Ceylon
Rev. Leslie Keegal, President, Church of the Four Square Gospel Church in Sri Lanka.
Rev. T. Thevanesan, President, Church of the American Ceylon Mission
Rev. W. P. Ebenezer Joseph, General Secretary, National Christian Council of Sri Lanka
The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka also represents:
Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)
Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
Student Christian Movement (SCM)
The Ceylon Bible Society
Christian Literature Society
Theological College of Lanka.
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Colombo Theological Seminary
Youth for Christ