Although the attack at Katunayake has caused a major collapse in the already weak economy, the political parties which are involved in a struggle for power or the public do not seem to have a proper understanding of the seriousness of that attack. The conduct of all of them is akin to that of the crab which dances in a pot of water until it boils. Several attacks of the same type are not necessary to bring the economy of the country to a state of total collapse. One more such attack will be sufficient for the purpose.
Although in such a situation it would be essential to act with the greatest vigour to restore the economic machinery which has been paralyzed, the government does not appear to pay much attention to it, in the context of the existing political crisis which has caused political instability in the country. This fact has made the economic collapse in the country speedier.
If the PA had been a sensible government it should have understood the precarious position and would have followed a policy of permitting the enactment of these reforms for its own future protection. Such reforms would benefit not the governments in power but the oppositions. If the UNP comes to power with a background where the executive presidential system is reformed, the democratic opportunities that would open up in that process would benefit the opposition than the government.
If the government fails to reach an agreement on democratic reforms at this moment, it is the PA which would have to shed tears when the opposition comes to power.
In the context of the economic collapse that is taking place in the country, the President should summon Parliament immediately and give it the opportunity to form a government that would put an end to the political instability that prevails today. If the President fails to do so, the opposition should have the ability to defeat the autocratic actions of the President and to move forward. If that does not happen and the crisis is resolved through a parliamentary election that will be held without effecting the reforms, the collapsing economy will inevitably decline to a state of putrefaction. The adverse consequences that follow will inevitably affect not only the society but all the political parties too. (This article has been condensed due to space constraints)