SLPP threatening 19A, independent institutions: Ranil

By Asiri Fernando

The Sri Lank Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is threatening the 19th Amendment and independent institutions like the Election Commission, the Police Commission and the Public Services Commission, United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe charged yesterday. 

Wickremesinghe made the allegations addressing the National Lawyers Association of the UNP at Party Headquarters yesterday.  

Addressing the lawyers present, Wickremesinghe stated that the SLPP was threating the 19th Amendment which they had fought to get installed in 2015. He noted that the amendments which were approved by Parliament in 2015 have served to strengthen the protection of human rights and helped reinforce democracy in the country. 

“However, there is a threat [to the 19th Amendment] from the ‘Pohottuwa’ (SLPP), they are openly criticising the Election Commission, the Commissioner and Hoole using false allegations. Why do they do this? To influence the election process and to get the election held on a certain day. They are trying to systematically erode the independence of these institutions,” Wickremesinghe claimed. 

He said that that the independence of the Election Commission should not be interfered with. “Look what has happened to the Police Commission today, Police officers are being transferred all over the place, where is the procedure?” he questioned. 

Wickremesinghe stated that while he was Prime Minister, several key suspects of the Easter Sunday bombings were arrested within a day. “But today we find bodies in the Independence Square and now lawyers are questioning if the suicide was a voluntary suicide or a forced one?” he said, pointing out that the Police haven’t made progress with the Independence Square incident. 

He said that the Government was moving to place the public service under the control of some members of the armed forces, pointing out that it infringes on the independence of the public service. 

“Now see what has happened to the public service commission? The Government couldn’t transfer or change public officials, they appoint a military officer over them or assign them to a senior public post,” Wickremesinghe charged, pointing out that the independence of the public service should be protected.  

Wickremesinghe charged that if the independence of the commissions and the public service is not upheld, the country risks sliding into an authoritarian rule.