Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar says a ruler cannot hold on to power by imprisoning the country’s youth in dark rooms or torture chambers. Speaking in parliament last week, Bakeer Markar highlighted the plight of the country’s youth and said the current crisis has severely affected them.

“The crisis has severely affected the country’s youth as proved by the ongoing brain drain. We must all understand this situation. The youth who are suffering due to these issues are now in anger. Their dreams have been destroyed due to the crisis. They have no hopes for the future and neither have they been offered any help or support to build their lives. Given the situation they have every right to be angry,” he said.

According to him, therefore, labelling them as terrorists or issuing threats claiming that military or police will be deployed against them is not what must be done.

“It is a fallacy to think traditional politics or intimidation is a solution to these issues. One is mistaken if one believes they can hang on to power through the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act or a Rehabilitation bill or even by locking up youth in torture chambers or in dark rooms. Traditional politics is dead. One cannot deal with today's youth with an island mentality,” he noted.

The MP pointed out that youth with new thinking is coming into power worldwide and have become forces of change in their countries.

“The world is calling for Martin Luthers and not Hitlers,” he said, adding that Sri Lanka must use the citizen’s struggle in a positive manner for its future journey.

“Our country’s youth became exemplary when they engaged in a peaceful struggle on the country’s streets for freedom, equality and life. Using their struggle as an example we should set our goals as a country higher and obtain the support of the youth to embark on this journey. This is what is accepted in the developed world today where they look at youth in a positive manner. It is understood that a speedier journey towards development can be achieved through this.” the MP said.

Pointing out that oppression is not the answer he said the country’s leadership must join hands with them to go forward. He highlighted his proposals to grant 25 percent representation to youth in parliament and said he has received a favourable response from the Prime Minister. The MP called on the Government to pass the proposal in parliament in the near future.