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Let Us Apply Pressure and Change the Value

Commitments of Our Next Set of LeadersChandra Jayaratne

27/07/2015
I trust that most of you will no doubt hope, agree and commit to ensure, that the next
parliamentary election in August 2015, will elect fit and proper leaders and
legislators, committed to maintain the democratic and pluralistic values we have experienced in
Sri Lanka since 8th January 2015.
We should collectively and publicly emphasize, that the changes seen in the application of
democratic freedoms, human rights, harmonious co-existence of diverse groups in society,
upholding the rule of law, justice, equity, social justice, good governance, transparency and anti
corruption, must continue during the next 5 years. This hope and demand must be our resolve,
despite of some glaring instances of different shades of grey, seen in the effective application of
these treasured democratic social norms over the last 7 months, due to some unacceptable value
commitments of our current leaders.
Many of you will also no doubt agree that in order to bring sustainable growth, happiness,
social justice and prosperity for all our people, the continuity of this much desired change in the
governance framework is essential. This hope can of course be realized, only if we collectively
ensure a strong and committed coalition of political parties, with a value commitment in
placing the sustainable long term interests of the nation and its people the number one priority,
remain in governance after 17th August.
The current Prime Minister and the collection of political parties forming the Front for Good
Governance, have the golden opportunity once again, to leverage their collective capabilities
and vision, and lead the next government to deliver what society yearns for since January
8th peaceful change in governance structures.
Towards the above end objective, let us all collectively agree to apply continuous pressure on

the next Prime Minister and his cabinet, to sharpen and change their core value commitments;
and become aligned to the values and norms that the society aspires for; and thus become more
acceptable as national leaders seen working in tandem and signing from the same hymn sheet
as the much respected President, elected to office by the people to deliver the changes voted
for.
The key pressure points to be focused by us as voters and change managers, are to ensure that
the Prime Minister designate and his cabinet commits, post next election;
1.
To commit that they and their selected key officials , will wholeheartedly and
consistently uphold in governance, without any exceptions and embed through Codes of
Conduct and Ethics,
a.
the active promotion of democratic freedoms, human rights, harmonious co-existence of
diverse groups in society, as well as upholding the rule of law, justice, equity, social justice,
good governance, transparency and anti corruption,( all such commitments being those
repeatedly articulated by them during the presidential and parliamentary elections)
b.
the sustainable long term interests of the nation and its people being the number one
priority in governance and national resource allocation and preservation ( thus creating a
government proactively taking in to consideration the sustainable future and interests of all
segments of society in policy making and governance, especially the marginalized and weaker
segments- women, children, disabled, conflict affected and those living in poverty and without
basic amenities and state provided services )
2.
To never undermine or attempt to undermine the interests and articulated core values of
the new President and the core group of persons who led the change that dawned on
8th January 2015 (including the leader of the Social Justice Movement, Former President
Chandrika Kumaratunge, leaders/political parties / professionals/men/women/youth and
Groups, behind the positive change of 8th January),
3.
To be mindful always that arrogance and egoistic behaviours, dictatorial and
undemocratic actions and ignoring the aspirations and interests of common citizens (with
emphasis on the marginalized segments), will soon lead to the downfall of the government,
4.
To be mindful always and avoid under any circumstances close network relations and
being surrounded and guided by undesirable and socially unacceptable elements; those
committed to foster personal gains; those engaging in under hand/ under world deals; those
engaged in destroying the ecology and the environment; and those engaging in unethical
practices, (including gambling, the distribution and promotion of the use of narcotics,
dangerous drugs/chemicals/substances, and habit forming products injurious to the health)
5.
To be mindful always and avoid nepotism, cronyism, promoting the old school tie and
cliquish driven networks ; and fostering biased interests of select groups; and always commit to
make selections based only on independently validated capability (knowledge, skills,

experience, attitudes and values) and being assessed as the best suited for the task;
6.
To be transparent, open and honest in communications; willingly and proactively engage
with the community and stakeholders with integrity and openness in resolving challenging and
problematic issues; always demonstrate the willingness to listen to voices of good advocacy
and the aspirations of the people affected by decisions in governance; and ensure environment
and national resources are preserved and sustainably allocated with equity, where necessary
with affirmative deviations to support justified needs of the marginalized communities;
7.
To accept criticism and dissent openly, without resentment or remorse; learn lessons from
mistakes and use such lessons for future actions and change management; apply mindfulness
and independent good judgment in dealing with crisis and change management challenges;
8.
To lead with integrity, independence and good judgment; use a straight bat in governance
and never bowl a foul ball; never seek short term gains nor resort to a no action policy, when
faced with challenging situations hoping that the problem will go away ; and never try conceal,
misrepresent or blind fold stakeholders in society
9.
To strive with commitment to live up to the promises and never promise what cannot or
are doubtful of being delivered; use post audits, public forum debates/reviews and critical
evaluations to bring out weaknesses and failures in governance meeting stakeholder
expectations; never accept outputs and outcomes below the best deliverable results under
excellence of governance and management ; and strive to optimize quality, productivity,
efficiency, effectiveness and economy in project management;
10. To develop committed teams and team players; foster team work in governance supported
by open sharing of accurate information, data and statistics; and always be mindful of the need
to have a line of succession in leadership, which alone will ensure continuity and realization of
the vision
It is up to us in civil society to shape and sharpen those who govern us, on an ongoing and
consistent basis. Towards realization of this objective at this critical stage, we must collectively
and transparently use our professional capability and integrity driven value commitments in the
cementing our future governance structures and ensure it will be aligned to our aspirations. We
must where necessary openly dissent and express our opinions; and advocate our aspirations
and wishes for sharpening and shaping good governance. We must even be bold enough, when
essential, to openly organize, agitate and apply our collective voter pressure, in order that the
to deliver to us good governance, democratic freedoms, human rights, harmonious co-existence
in our diverse society, and ensure upholding the rule of law, justice, equity, social justice, good
governance, transparency and anti corruption, for the sake of sustainable growth and
prosperity of all in society.
As an initial measure of public pressure, I have decided that my vote at the next parliamentary
elections will be cast in favour of the continuity of the change that dawned on 8th January.
However, I will carefully evaluate the available choices in casting my preference vote, and

ensure it is made only in favour of candidates who I believe will be able to adopt the 10 points
leadership commitments articulated above, as their value commitments post elections. I will
also advocate that national list nominees selected post elections are those committed to the
10point leadership values as articulated
It is my fervent hope that you too will support this collective initiative and that you will
evaluate your choices carefully in casting your vote at the forthcoming elections.

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