Voice for Democracy in Sri Lanka

Democritus Cultural Centre: 583 High Street, Northcote After years of economic collapse accelerated by a corrupt, incompetent, and authoritarian political elite and the brutal suppression of protests and Aragalaya (Struggle) for a more democratic and economically just society, the possibility of change finally arrived in 2024 when Sri Lankans elected the Dissanayake government on a promise of a radical social democratic program. What will be the road to economic recovery? Can the government break the cycle of corruption and authoritarian rule of the past? How will it approach the national question and the treatment of minority communities? Join us to hear and discuss the possibilities and potential pitfalls for Sri Lanka under the new government. Speakers include • Lionel Bopage, a veteran activist on the struggle for a more inclusive economically just nation. • Janaka Biyanwila, activist and author of Debt Crisis and Popular Social Protest in Sri Lanka: Citizenship, Development and Democracy Within Global North-South Dynamics.” • Manoranjan Selliah, an exiled journalist, and activist for the rights of the Tamil community. • Michael Cooke, who has served as an election monitor and written extensive articles on Sri Lanka. Discussion and Q and A will be moderated by Emeritus Professor Joseph Camilleri who has extensive experience spanning decades on Conflict Resolution.