Mar 14, Colombo: The Chief Prelate of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters have asked President Ranil Wickremesinghe to prepare a proper policy mechanism to reduce the rising cost of living to alleviate public burden and calm the social unrest.

Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera and the Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanaratana Thera in a letter addressed to the President commended the steps taken by the President to bring back some normalcy to the country after a turbulent period where major economic, political and social instability existed last year.

The Chief Prelates noted in the letter that the postponement of the local government election has caused some unrest among the public and that preserving democracy means confirming people’s sovereignty through free and fair elections.

They have pointed out to the president, who is recognized as a democratic state leader, that it is the government’s responsibility to conduct the local government elections properly.

The Prelates also highlighted the duties of responsibilities of all stakeholders to ensure economic stability in the country..

“The government should take immediate measures to successfully face the emerging economic challenges and implement populist policies to minimize the rising cost of living and secure people’s lives. Also, all parties have their duties and responsibilities to stabilize the country economically at this critical time,” they said.

The prelates said throughout the past period, they have pointed out the need to establish a practical sustainable policy framework.

“We have reiterated the need to put aside party political theories and implement long-term plans based on national principles for the sake of public welfare.”

“Instead of placing the entire burden of the economic crisis on the public, we have emphasized that the government should work to reduce public suffering through practical solutions such as proper management of public money, prevention of corruption and misuse of public resources, and removal of unlimited privileges enjoyed by public representatives,” the Chief Prelates stressed.

They said the public protests about existing problems should not be implemented with the aim of creating political, economic and social instability in the country. Also, the public should have the right to express their opinions freely in accordance with the legal limits of the country.

Therefore, the Chief Prelates said they expect the government to control the cost of living and gradually restore the lives of the people by securing the supremacy of the law and wished the President that he will get strength and courage from the blessings of Ratnatra for the task.