Systemic Change: Its Enemies & Friends

The core demand of aragalaya is to bring about systemic change in the country’s political governance and economy. “Gota-Go-Home” and “No 225” are only means to that end. Although there had been widespread support for the core demand especially within the intelligentsia, civil societies and even sections of the media and Sangha, yet, during the last few weeks, and since the resignation of the previous prime minister, a counter struggle seems to be on foot led by the old guards to preserve the status quo. The so-called All-Party Government is the product of that struggle, and the proposed 21A drafted by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW) also reflects that desire. Unless the core demand of aragalaya is met, chances of achieving economic progress and political stability would be minimal.