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FT
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
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Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Mayantha Dissanayake |
Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Mayantha Dissanayake yesterday highlighted the recent breakdown of the country’s rule of law and discipline while calling for a new anti-corruption law to be introduced. Speaking at a press conference held at the opposition leader’s office yesterday Dissanayake said a series of recent events are evidence of the current state of the country’s law.
“Today corporal punishment on children is not allowed. It is accepted that children cannot be disciplined in this manner and laws have been formulated to prevent it. However, the situation in Sri Lanka now is different. Recently we saw teachers being accused of physically assaulting school students. They are also being accused of getting the Police to assault and harass children. This is the situation in Sri Lanka today,” he said, adding that it is a very dangerous situation.
“This is evidence of what has happened to the law and discipline in the country. Murders and robberies are on the rise. How can we move forward as a country in this manner?” he asked. Dissanayake said as the situation stands thus relating to the country’s rule of law, however, the Police appear to be only deployed to block peaceful protests held by the opposition in line with the country’s democratic framework. “The Police must exist to protect the law and order. But instead, they are threatening and assaulting journalists for things they post on social media,” he accused. Dissanayake condemned the media oppression launched by the Government and said the SJB will stand against it.
He also commenting on the frauds committed by Thilini Priyamali recently, highlighted the need for an anti-corruption law in the country. “Such acts are taking place as there is no proper law in the country. The SJB has continuously highlighted the need for an anti-corruption law. While the government has agreed no draft has been submitted yet. The SJB will introduce an anti-corruption law once it comes into power,” he said.
