The temptation of draconian laws
The government enjoys a two-thirds majority in Parliament and has a cohesive group of parliamentarians, making it difficult to challenge through parliamentary means. Its potential vulnerability lies elsewhere. Extra-parliamentary mobilisation could bring together political opponents, religious authorities and sections of the public in ways that parliamentary arithmetic alone cannot contain. Three…
The Sri Lankan government, enjoying a two-thirds majority in Parliament, faces a potential vulnerability in extra-parliamentary mobilisation. This threat could unite political opponents, religious authorities, and sections of the public in a manner that parliamentary arithmetic cannot contain. Three proposed laws, aimed at centralizing state power at the expense of citizens' rights and freedoms, have been introduced.
The disrobing of Buddhist monk Ven. Gnanasara, following his presidential pardon revocation, demonstrated the extra-parliamentary methods that could undermine the government. The episode showed that even a government with a parliamentary majority is not immune to political pressures from outside Parliament. While the government may believe that strengthening state powers will protect its democratic mandate, these laws could potentially be used against political opponents, peaceful protesters, civil society organizations, and individuals who criticise the government.
The government's handling of the crisis surrounding Ven. Gnanasara offers an example of how to navigate such challenges.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
