MP proposes P’ment review laws to strengthen rights

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

Skills Development and Vocational Training Minister Karunarathna Paranawithana yesterday proposed Parliament reviews all existing laws to identify changes, to avoid violation of human rights, and to reduce communal hatred among diverse groups in the country.

Taking part in the State of Emergency Proclamation debate yesterday in Parliament, the Deputy Minister said: “If that is the case, then there is a need to revise such laws, and introduce new provisions to the country’s common law system so it is fair by all communities.” According to Paranawithana, the Emergency Regulations should not be used as a tool by the Government in order to govern the country, and should be removed at the earliest instance. “We removed all roadblocks, enabling people to live freely and even to stage demonstrations. We governed under normal law, but after the Easter Sunday attacks, we were forced to re-impose Emergency Regulations.”

“We have taken many decisions to increase national security, and have arrested many who posed a threat to national security. Therefore, until regular laws can be established to ensure the security of the country, the Emergency Regulations would be extended for a short period,” he said. Minister Paranawithana also held that religion should not be used as a medium of conflict. ”

If religion is the cause of conflict, we need to look at the mainstream religious scriptures and traditions, and decide on whether we need to adhere to all such religious practices, which were followed at the primitive ages,” he added.