Colombo, 10 April 2026 — The civil society collective Justice for All has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake calling for urgent, structured national preparedness in light of the escalating conflict in West Asia and its potential ripple effects across Sri Lanka’s economy, education system, health sector, and food security.
The open letter, dated 10 April and signed by Convenor M.A. Sumanthiran, follows a multi-sector consultation held on 7 April with experts, ministers, officials, and Members of Parliament. The group says the discussion underscored how Sri Lanka’s recent crises — the pandemic and the economic collapse — offer critical lessons that must inform future planning.
“There was consensus of the need for national preparedness and public information to tackle challenges in the short, medium and long-term,” the letter notes.
Call for Neutral, Law‑Aligned Foreign Policy
The letter stresses that Sri Lanka’s foreign policy response to the West Asia conflict must be grounded in neutrality, humanitarian considerations, and strict adherence to international law.
“Our foreign policy should be based on the principle of neutrality… and the importance of compliance with international laws and conventions.”
Economy: Buffers Exist, but Planning Is Critical
Despite global uncertainty, the group says current data indicates Sri Lanka has “sufficient buffers to withstand immediate shocks”, but warns that this window of stability requires careful planning to avoid renewed vulnerability.
Education: Avoid School Closures, Decentralise Decisions
Drawing from the pandemic experience, the letter urges the government to decentralise crisis decision-making in the education sector.
Key recommendations include:
- Crisis-related school decisions should not be made solely at the national level.
- Regional and district authorities must be empowered to respond to local realities.
- School closures and online learning should be “the very last option.”
Health: Demographic Shifts, Inequity, and Mental Health Need Attention
The group highlights several structural issues that must shape health policy:
- Demographic changes
- Inequity and malnutrition
- Medicine procurement challenges
- Rising mental health concerns
As with education, the letter calls for decentralised consultation and decision-making in the health sector.
Food Security: A “Key Challenge” Requiring Urgent Action
With global supply chains under strain, the letter warns that Sri Lanka must urgently strengthen its food security strategy.
Recommendations include:
- Better management of fertilizer and food imports
- Planning for availability and affordability of essential food items
- Issuing clear guidelines to maximize productivity and reduce wastage
A Request for Direct Engagement with the President
Justice for All notes that it has previously convened cross-sector dialogues — including during the 2022 economic crisis — to help build consensus. The group now seeks a meeting with the President and relevant ministers to discuss the latest recommendations in detail.
“We request a meeting with Your Excellency and other relevant Ministers and officials to discuss these matters in more detail.”
Why This Matters
This letter arrives at a moment when Sri Lanka is attempting to stabilise after years of upheaval. With global tensions rising, the group argues that proactive planning, transparent communication, and collaborative governance are essential to protect vulnerable communities and prevent another cycle of crisis.
The Letter: Letter to Govt April 2026
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