SJB warns of potential emergence of another Aragalaya

Thursday, 19 October 2023 01:45 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Accuses Executive of interfering with country’s Legislature
Says President’s decision to grant a service extension to IGP Wickramaratne is an abuse of law
Claims Executive is operating beyond Sri Lanka’s Constitution

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ashoka Abeysinghe cautioned the Government yesterday that another Aragalaya may emerge if the Executive continues to undermine the country’s Legislature through its actions.

Commenting on President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s decision to grant a third service extension to IGP Chandana Wickramaratne despite the Constitutional Council’s rejection, Abeysinghe commented that it constituted an abuse of law.

“The executive is operating beyond the bounds of the country›s constitution, and that should not be the case,” he remarked.

The MP made these comments during a press conference at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo yesterday.

He expressed concern that such actions by the President could lead to a further delay in the second tranche of aid granted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“If the executive persists in interfering with the Legislative Assembly, it might result in an even greater Aragalaya than the one in the past,” he noted.

Abeysinghe said the Government lacks any program to foster a productive economy in the country, emphasising that the Government’s sole agenda appears to be selling the country’s resources.

Abeysinghe maintained that the Government has made commitments to the IMF to privatise 152 state institutions and has also taken the decision to shut down 15 profitable institutions in the process.