Keeping democracy on the agenda. Where to go with the ‘Platform for Freedom’? Exklusivinterview mit Sudarshana Gunarwardana (Engl.)

Dieses Interview mit dem Rechtsanwalt und politischen Aktivisten Sudarshana Gunarwardana stammt noch von der letzten Ausgabe dieser Website. Wir haben es in diese Ausgabe übernommen, weil es auch als Beitrag zur Debatte um das 18. Amendment gelesen werden kann. Gunarwardana hat zusammen mit der international bekannten Menschenrechtsaktivistin Nimalka Fernando 2009 die “Platform for Freedom” (PFF) gegründet: einen übergreifenden Zusammenschluss von Menschen- und Bürgerechtsaktivist_innen mit prominenten Politiker_innen der Oppositionsparteien, Gewerkschaftler_innen, verfolgten Journalist_innen und Künstler_innen. Die Gründung einer in dieser Form “parteilich” gebundenen zivilgesellschaftlichen Inititive war und ist nicht nur für Sri Lanka ein Novum und – wie sich bald herausstellte – ein Wagnis. Denn natürlich geriet die PFF in den Wahlkampf, entschloss sich zur Unterstützung der Präsidentschaftskandidatur des Generals Fonseka und trägt seither an der Niederlage dieser Kandidatur. Am Schluss des Interviews dokumentieren wir das programmatische Dokument der PFF mit den im Interview angesprochenen “Fünf Prinzipien”.

Red.: In the last period of the war, you’ve initiated the “Platform for Freedom”. What was your perspective than and what especially was the idea in combining Human rights activism with party politics, at least entering in the presidential elections?

S.G.:

“Platform for Freedom” was a response to the deepening silence of the civil society due to repression.  The strong resolve generated within us to resist and break this silence as the famous journalist Lasantha Wickramatunga was gunned down in broad day light with absolute impunity. Some of us of the civil society who were participating in a meeting abroad strongly felt a new political re-orientation was necessary with regards to our advocacy. It was quite evident that the Rajapakse regime was spearheading the disappearances and assassinations with the assistance of armed gangs and the under-world elements.  It was at this point that the opposition Leader invited civil society to come together to show our resistance against Lasantha’s killing. That was the event which brought us together.  Hence there was a political shift taken with a deliberate decision to mobilize for change rather than reform the MR regime. Therefore we selected “Rights to Life” and “Freedom of Expression” as our key themes.

We were people who were engaged in pushing for effective mechanisms, engagement with the government including the Ministry of Human Rights, Election Monitoring sort of doing the business as usual activities jointly and individually through our respective NGOs. But during the last stages of the war we recognized the ineffectiveness of such individual projects if we wanted change – change in the way of governance and democratic reforms. We realized the need to be where political opposition has to be mobilized, where resistance have to energized. Hence we decided to nurture the dialogue convened by the opposition and further create a unity within the opposition so we relate to all opposition parties not one. We worked as the Platform with UNP, Democratic People’s Party, SLMC, USP, NSSP and SLFP(M) Mangala Samaraweera. (UNP = United National Party, größte Oppositionspartei, liberalkonservativ; Democratic People’s Party = oppositionelle politische Vertretung der Westküsten- und Colombo-Tamilen; SLMC = Sri Lanka Muslim Congress = oppositionelle politische Vertretung der Muslime; USP und NSSP = kleinere Linksparteien; SLFP(M) = Abspaltung der Präsidentenpartei. Die Red.)

The NSSP and USP also had the freedom to come in and out of activities based on their political positioning from time to time.

The Platform was the first to raise the confinement of IDPs inside camps in Vanni. Furthermore we held a public meeting and discussed the devastations caused by the war in May 2009 together with the political parties with whom we continue to be in consultation and dialogue.

It was in the same spirit that we supported the decision of the united opposition to filed in retired the General Sarath Fonseka. There was the need to bring in a strong challenge to the growing authoritarianism of the Rajapakse–lead state power. The challenge came from within when the General took a decision to contest. This is also an action of resistance when masses got galvanized and began to come out of their `shells’. This is very healthy for democracy.

We had a special meeting with the Presidential Candidate and discussed the issues presented to him through the attached questionnaire. We wanted the Executive Presidency abolished and create space for mobilization of all kinds.

 Red.: After President Rajapakse’s double victory – winning the war and winning the elections – , the news available from Sri Lanka are very disturbing. The north seems to be an occupied country under militarized administration, tens of thousands still living in camps or under very poor conditions, many parts of the country completely destructed. In the south the political pressure on political activists, Civil rights defenders, and media people becomes harder and harder, while the government seems to be in a very comfortable position: Where does this road go to?

 S.G.: There is no doubt in our mind that the winning of the war was ably supported by world super powers in numerous ways. Even though the US made interventions related to human rights during the war they played a double game of waving the terrorist flag and getting away with the complicity. The UN was shuttling in between but was unable to even get approval for UNHCR to get access to thousands held inside the conflict zone. Therefore winning this victory was possible as the LTTE was cornered. The LTTE also made it difficult for the civilians to move out doubling the agony of the unarmed civilians and they had to therefore also carry the burden of the civilians as well as face a conventional war launched by the State of Sri Lanka.

He has won elections which were not held as free and fair elections. As Sri Lankan citizens yearning for democracy all elections held since 2006 including the Provincial Elections have been held without independent election commissions i.e. ignoring the implementation of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution. The EU report on GSP+ explains this well. There is no way we can say that he won in a clean manner. We would like to investigate into the system placed by the Election Commissioner for the Presidential Election since it is shrouded with many challenges. The EC has made several statements which require evidence which he is capable of giving but has failed to do so.

These were not easy victories, only 55% truly voted in the Parliamentary Election. Mathematically yes they have won but morally neither the President nor the Parliament can rule this country.  This is the very reason why he has called for discussions with the UNP to get the moral authority as he being an astute politician knows how the wind is blowing.

North and East are under military and surveillance in every sense of the word. Foreigners are not granted permission to enter Jaffna via A9. Hence they see how the resettlement is taking place.  Like they had super-class camps in Vavuniya for international visitors’ consumption similarly they have some show pieces for people like Akashi who fly in and out in helicopters and then make huge grants.  The resettlement is a farce.

This situation can not go on and on.  The government has increased the defense budget and taken a loan from IMF, lots of loans have come from China. Sri Lanka has become trapped between India and China presently. If you carefully analyze the infrastructure development in the North and East this is very visible. Areas are divided between China and India. I do not think Rajapakse regime has any sovereignty issue over this as long as they can show some beautiful roads to people and facilitate mobility. This is happening. There is some trade taking place with influx of internal tourism.

But we are facing an economic crisis presently covered still with the military economy.  So there is no way the government can go on and on without addressing few issues at least.

He had to withdraw the idea of contesting Presidential elections again.  He is now talking to the opposition in order to get their support for GSP+.  The fast was stopped by him and the UN Committee will meet and the anti- UN mobilization inside the country has become weakened. Now they are talking about doing international lobby like NGOs!!! They now lack the political force inside the country.

 Red.: Given the urgent need for maneuvering in the short run: Is it possible to develop a further perspective or do you have to stick to the short sight? Where to go with the ‘Platform for Freedom’?

 S.G.: I think we have got space to mobilize on our 5 principles. We are presently developing the network since leadership is important. We have to engage in the same way mobilizing since we do not believe in leader to leader change any more.  We have to keep the pressure on for political change and develop a strong movement to take our commitments forward.

Who ever comes to power we are aware of the importance to be vigilant to our 5 principles and we will work both within and outside depending on the each political phase in dialogue with the masses we identify as civil society. The NGOs will do their business as usual and will continue to tinker with the State reforms, compromise their positions to get closer to the regime but will have no impact related to the issues of neither governance nor rights of the Tamil speaking people.  The Sinhala state have to be reformed/changed that has to happen though a massive participation of the people for change and not by us getting closer to this politician and that politician either Tamil , Sinhala or Muslim. We have to be in dialogue but we do not support their pet schemes for our survival either in the North, the South or the East.

Red.: Thanks, Sudarshana – good luck!

Platform for Freedom

THE COMMITMENT FOR CHANGE

Declaration of the Platform for Freedom including the Five Precepts

The Platform for Freedom was founded as a broad coalition of civil society activists and political leaders committed to protecting and strengthening the right to live freely and the freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.  The catalyst for its formation is the human rights crisis in the country – defined by a culture of impunity in respect of disappearances, abductions, extra-judicial killings and a systematic crackdown on dissent resulting in the killing of over a dozen media personnel and attacks on media institutions. Whilst the right to live freely and the freedom of expression remain as the founding human rights upon which the Platform is founded, it is recognized that there needs to be a set of complementary principles which give expression to these rights and practical effect to peace, governance and social justice in our country if it is to enjoy a democratic peace, national unity and reconciliation.

Accordingly, the Platform endorses the following principles to guide peace, governance and social justice in our country and move from a post war situation to a post conflict one; from winning the war to winning the peace:

The governing institutions and processes of Sri Lanka will be open to the fullest participation of all of its citizens, recognize and reflect the diversity of all its people, address their grievances and accommodate their aspirations.  All citizens of Sri Lanka must be able to enjoy the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

We commit ourselves to uphold the following Principles:

1.       ENHANCING PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY

• Abolishing Executive Presidency
• Returning to meaningful Parliamentary Democracy enhancing accountability of legislature and executive
• Reduction of Cabinet portfolios
• Restructure the State based on meaningful power sharing relating to a settlement of the ethnic conflict
• Reverse discrimination, implementing special provisions to increase representation and participation of women at all levels of decision making

 2.       ENSURE GOOD GOVERNANCE, RULE OF LAW AND TRANSPARENCY

• Uphold the supremacy of the Constitution
• De-politicize the Police, Public service by the full implementation of the 17^th Amendment
• Establish an independent Election Commission
• Legislate a Right to Information Act
• Ensure the independence of judiciary

3.      PROMOTE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION, INTER-RACIAL JUSTICE AND EQUALITY

• Immediately introduce a political solution based on power sharing recognizing equal rights of the ethnic communities in Sri Lanka
• The State symbol must reflect the unity and diversity of all it’s people to ensure harmonious co-existence
• Dignity of the internally displaced must be respected.  The UN Guiding Principles on IDP must be adhered to in relation to resettlement and rehabilitation of all displaced due to the ethnic conflict.
• Language Policy must be effectively implemented.

   4.      Economic and Social Justice

• Bring effective remedies to ensure wellbeing and quality of life of the poorest sections of the population.
• Promote social–market economy to release economic potential of the country
• Promote sustainable development ensuring food security and care for the nature.

5.      Protect  Human Rights and Media Freedom

• End impunity by investigating into all disappearances, abductions and extra-judicial killings and bringing all perpetrators before law.
• All laws including national security and emergency regulations should be consistent with the international human rights standards.
• Honour all international obligations without disrespecting the State of Sri Lanka.
• Introduce a Victim and Witness Protection Act in line with international standards
• Stop harassment of media institutions and journalists
• Ensure state and private media become `public media’ facilitating a transformed media culture
• Abolish the Press Council Act
• Ensure Right to Life and Freedom of Expression

LAUNCHED BY THE PLATFORM FOR FREEDOM ON 12^TH NOVEMBER, 2009 IN COLOMBO.