SLFP and SLPP discuss possibility of uniting to block CTA

MP Thilanga Sumathipala (left) , MP Dayasiri Jayasekara and Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa (right)

• SLFP backs amending PTA but says CTA infringes too much on non-terror issues

By Nuwan Senarathna

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday discussed the possibility of presenting a united front to block the Counter Terrorism Act (CTA), with the SLFP saying it preferred an amendment to the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) rather than the CTA. 

The fourth round of SLFP and SLPP talks were held on Thursday at the Opposition Leader’s Office. The discussion went on for over an hour, and the next meeting will be on 30 May.

SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara, Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa, and MP Thilanga Sumathipala represented the SLFP. SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris and Senior Lecturer Jagath Wellawatte represented the SLPP camp. 

Following the discussion, SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara told media results of the talks were successful, but both parties had agreed to focus on national security due to the prevailing situation of the country.

“We did not want to talk about politics today, as our priority was the national security. Both parties put politics aside and focused on what we can do to improve national security,” he added. 

Jayasekara raised concerns over the negative impacts of the CTA, and pointed out the Bill would hinder media freedom and trade union actions, which cannot be considered as actions linked to terrorism. He noted both parties were able to find common ground to provide support to President Maithripala Sirisena on national security, despite political differences.

“We cannot let this Government pass a Bill that hinders democratic rights by hiding it behind the current security situation,” Jayasekera said. “We will not use prevailing security situation to gain political advantages. That is why we had agreed to postpone our talks on building political alliance till the next meeting.”

He noted both parties had talked on how to eradicate extremism from the country, and create a safe environment where all communities could live harmoniously.

Speaking to media, MP Thilanga Sumathipala said both parties had discussed how the Government should act to prevent any further incident. “We looked at the situation from Government’s point of view, and talked about what we would do if we were members of the Government to recognise lapses of security that need to improve.”

He noted the ideas shared by both parties will be conveyed to the President.

Speaking to reporters, Prof. G.L Peiris said considering the prevailing security situation the SLPP would provide support to the Government to bring the country back to normalcy. He also called on the Government to establish a centralised point to disseminate information, especially to international and local media, so they are updated daily on the steps taken by the Government. He argued that improving communication and transparency was the most effective way to encourage countries to remove or reduce their travel advisories.  

“Without proper updates on investigations and steps to improve security with the media and other international stakeholders, it is impossible to go to foreign missions and ask them to revise their travel advisories. They will advise their citizens to visit Sri Lanka only if they are satisfied that adequate and effective measures have been taken to guarantee security in this country.” 

Pix by Sameera Wijesinghe