Opposition MP Gevindu Cumaratunga has accused incumbent President and independent presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe of applying double standards in his policies regarding election campaigning.
Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (04), he said that a number of incidents have taken place in the past which confirm that there are problematic situations in the country regarding national security.
"Recently, a suspect was arrested with two Type-56 firearms and ammunition. Before that, there was an explosion in a house in the Kattankudy area. In addition, shootings and killings are happening all over the country. Therefore, the Police Department needs proper leadership," Cumaratunga charged.
He pointed out that it is ridiculous that Wickremesinghe, who says that he cannot appoint an Acting IGP as he is a presidential candidate, participates in various Government programmes and conducts his election campaign. "We see that Wickremesinghe is participating in the programmes of providing smart equipment for schools and giving speeches related to various politics during those events. The provision of such equipment can be done through the Ministry of Education. According to the argument presented by him in the matter related to the IGP, how can he attend such programmes?"
Attempts to contact the President's Secretary proved futile.
The SC recently issued the interim order in question, granting leave to proceed nine Fundamental Rights petitions filed by several parties including Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcom Ranjith and Young Journalists' Association of Sri Lanka, challenging Deshabandu Tennakoon's appointment as the IGP and the related endorsement by the Constitutional Council (CC). Although President Wickremesinghe is required to appoint an AGP during the period of the interim order as per the SC's decision, he refused to do so, citing concerns that such an action could lead to legal consequences against him.
(themorning.lk)
