Making accusations against former Ministers and MPs of the opposition as well as government officials and filing cases against Police and legal officers for taking action on the directions of the former Attorney General is now being viewed by society as a distorted motive for revenge, the Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice Karu Jayasuriya said.
He made this statement at a forum on the report of the Presidential Commission on Political Victimisation held in Colombo on Tuesday (09).
Addressing the forum, the former Speaker said that,
"We organised this discussion as a national duty because the country should be made aware of the Upali Abeyratne report which contains recommendations on political revenge issued in a manner that is detrimental to the Supreme Court and in a way that has never been done in any other country across the world.
The presence of academics in the legal field and dignitaries here today will strengthen the efforts to protect the country’s judicial system.
In organising this conference, we do not intend nor seek to protect certain individuals or to embarrass the President or the Sri Lankan Government.
First and foremost, I must also clarify that there is no ulterior motive behind this effort.
After the report was released unofficially, there was a great deal of controversy both locally and abroad. Some found it difficult to understand the situation.
Many saw it as an attempt by the government to take revenge.
The presence of academics in the legal field and dignitaries here today will strengthen the efforts to protect the country’s judicial system.
In organising this conference, we do not intend nor seek to protect certain individuals or to embarrass the President or the Sri Lankan Government.
First and foremost, I must also clarify that there is no ulterior motive behind this effort.
After the report was released unofficially, there was a great deal of controversy both locally and abroad. Some found it difficult to understand the situation.
Many saw it as an attempt by the government to take revenge.
Experts around the world were of the opinion that the appointment of this commission was illegal and that its recommendations were completely unethical. We have heard instances where this has been ridiculed by legal luminaries in democratic countries where independent courts function.
The previous government launched the anti-corruption process by a unanimous decision of the then President, Prime Minister and Cabinet. Officers were legally appointed for this purpose. Also, cases were filed on the recommendation of the then Attorney General.
The previous government launched the anti-corruption process by a unanimous decision of the then President, Prime Minister and Cabinet. Officers were legally appointed for this purpose. Also, cases were filed on the recommendation of the then Attorney General.
Therefore, making accusations against former Ministers, MPs of the opposition as well as government officials and filing cases against Police and legal officers for taking action on the directions of the former Attorney General is now being seen by the society as a distorted motive for revenge.
As we can see, there is strong opposition within the society to this. We have seen reports of the Maha Sangha, other religious leaders as well as various sections of the society opposing this Commission and its report.
In the near future, we will see everyone who loves this country and who wishes to die in a country that has an independent judiciary ruled by justice and fairness raise their voices against this.
Above all, various allegations are now being levelled against our motherland. Opposition against various issues is also increasing within the international community.
If we do not act wisely and patiently, the country could face a serious crisis. We are shocked that the government does not realise that it is the innocent people who are already helpless and suffering that will face even more issues if we create unnecessary problems in the midst of these challenges.
I would like to take this opportunity to state that the National Movement for Social Justice is fully committed to the country without feigning ignorance in order to protect the independent judiciary, which has so far protected the people with great dedication, without allowing it to fall victim to a catastrophe.
As Sir Isaac Newton said, everything which goes up must come down. Those in power should keep this in mind as even rulers who secured 5/6 and 2/3 majority in the past also fell from grace at some point.
In the near future, we will see everyone who loves this country and who wishes to die in a country that has an independent judiciary ruled by justice and fairness raise their voices against this.
Above all, various allegations are now being levelled against our motherland. Opposition against various issues is also increasing within the international community.
If we do not act wisely and patiently, the country could face a serious crisis. We are shocked that the government does not realise that it is the innocent people who are already helpless and suffering that will face even more issues if we create unnecessary problems in the midst of these challenges.
I would like to take this opportunity to state that the National Movement for Social Justice is fully committed to the country without feigning ignorance in order to protect the independent judiciary, which has so far protected the people with great dedication, without allowing it to fall victim to a catastrophe.
As Sir Isaac Newton said, everything which goes up must come down. Those in power should keep this in mind as even rulers who secured 5/6 and 2/3 majority in the past also fell from grace at some point.
