Protecting 19A important for democracy: UNP

• Expresses concern that repealing 19th Amendment will damage democratic institutions
• Alleges action on CID officers could set precedent that encourages lawlessness
• Requests President not to disrupt and undermine law enforcement agencies
• Says incident regarding Swiss Embassy staff member is breach of international diplomatic norms

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday expressed concern that attempts to repeal the 19th Amendment by the current administration of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa could dismantle

MP Thalatha Atukorale

MP Akila  Viraj Kariyawasam

MP Ranjith  Madduma Bandara

independent institutions, and reduce checks and balances that uphold democracy and the rule of law. 

UNP Parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma Bandara yesterday charged that individuals in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s administration were attempting to repeal the 19th Amendment. “Why do they want to do that?” he queried, pointing out that the 2015 mandate given to the ‘Yahapalanaya’ Government was to bring democratic reforms. Citing independent commissions, separation of power, reintroduction of presidential term limits, and other checks and balances, Bandara termed the 19th Amendment a victory of the people. 

Bandara made the comments at a press conference held at UNP Headquarters, flanked by parliamentarians Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and Thalatha Atukorale. UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was scheduled to chair the press conference, was a noticeable absentee at the occasion. 

Bandara and Kariyawasam charged that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was being politically victimised by the current administration. “Today, CID officers have been named, and a list has been sent to the immigration officials, their identity has been compromised,” Bandara stated, pointing out that the CID had a long and honourable history as the apex criminal investigations agency in the country. 

A list of 700 odd Police officers of the CID had been sent to the immigration officers at the relevant airports, with the present administration seeking to stop them from leaving the country.  

He opined that the CID investigated major crimes and corruption cases, such as the Thajudeen murder, the murder of Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, and disappearances, and should not be under pressure not to continue with the cases. “Who will protect these CID officers today? It is the CID today, it can be any public sector officer tomorrow” stated Atukorale. The UNP parliamentarians argued that some key figures in the current administration have sought to undermine the credibility of CID officers by calling them liars. 

“We request the President not to disrupt or dismantle the CID, don’t discredit them, this will push the country towards lawlessness,” Bandara appealed. 

Commenting on the alleged detention of a Swiss Embassy employee earlier in the week, Bandara questioned how national security could be secure when diplomatic staff were being mistreated. “Diplomatic principles and international law have been violated,” UNP Secretary Kariyawasam pointed. 

“Is this the national security mandate in action?” he asked, pointing out that a number of days had passed and no one had been arrested so far. “As the Opposition, we will fight for the rights of the people, and for justice. We ask the public to be vigilant of the moves made by this administration,” he stressed. 

– Pix by Ruwan Walpola