Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka World Cup winning legendary captain Tuesday launched a scathing attack against the ruling government over it’s inability in handling the economy of the Island.
Issuing a statement, Iconic captain underlined several key points of present government’s failure, while emphasizing that he has been highlighting this since long.
His statement reads:
“When Injustice Becomes Law, Resistance Becomes Duty! – Thomas Jefferson
In the last few days, I experienced an array of emotions as I watched the situation in Sri Lanka unfold. I was deeply saddened to see the suffering and despair of our people as we face one of the worst economic and social crises in the history of Sri Lanka. At the same time, I was filled with a profound sense of pride as our people stepped out on to the streets, to peacefully demand for their basic rights as human beings.
As many of you know, I have been adamantly speaking against corruption for many years now. It was clear that, from the time this government came into power, their true intention was not to serve the people of this country, but to fulfil their own agendas through the misappropriation of state resources. We must remember that Sri Lanka is a sovereign state and is not some commodity that can be sold off piece by piece. I was once a member of the same political party as these so called “leaders” of ours, but once I recognized their true intensions, I resigned from the government and remained in the parliament as an independent member. My policies have never been about party politics or personal agendas. My goal has always been and will continue be to serve my country and its people, and with this in mind, I supported whichever party or front that I believed would carry out their duties to our people. In recognizing their failure to do so, I have graciously stepped away from those parties/fronts.
I represented and served my country, to the best of my ability, for 20 years as a national cricketer. I have always been committed to the betterment of my country. Though I had many opportunities to go abroad, I never wavered in my decision to stay in Sri Lanka, as I wanted to continue my service to my country. After my retirement from cricket, with the expectation and hope of continuing to serve the people of my country, I accepted the invitation to enter the field of politics.
The current situation in Sri Lanka, the way in which people have united together, clearly demonstrates why Sri Lanka should step away from narrow minded party politics and adopt a national policy with a blueprint of which the foundation cannot be changed to the whims and fancies of the people in power. The peaceful protests, especially those held by the youth of this country, clearly shows that a time has come for national policy that focuses on building a stable country for future generations. I have been silent for the last few years as I believed that with the results of the last election, the people had spoken. For the last two years, I have silently watched the present regime destroy our country, its economy, its sports, and every aspect of its society. I can stay silent no more.
I stand with the people, not as a politician, but as a patriot of this country I love. We have all witnessed the rise of a new generation. Let them guide us as we move forward and build a securer, brighter, stronger future for our children, our children’s children, and generation to come.
As you engage in these peaceful protests, please keep in mind that there are those who seek to disrupt them and break the momentum. I urge you to not interact with them, protest peacefully, stay safe, protect our country, do not damage public property, and do not engage in violence. Do not give them a reason to take away your freedom, and your civic rights. Do not underestimate the power you hold as citizens of this country.”
