Mujibur questions President’s state of mind over comments made on LG polls

 Mujibur Rahman

• Accuses President of ridiculing both the people’s right to franchise and democracy under the cover of parliamentary privilege and presidential immunity
• Says statements of this nature will delay any incoming international aid and support
• Likens Wickremesinghe’s comments to that of a dictator and says only one group was pleased by his tirade
• Denies the President ever texted him warning him to not vacate his seat in Parliament

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Colombo Mayoral candidate Mujibur Rahman yesterday questioned President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s state of mind over comments he made this week in Parliament about the local Government poll. Holding a press conference yesterday at the Opposition Leader’s office, Rahman said the President has ridiculed both the people’s right to franchise and democracy under the cover of parliamentary privilege and presidential immunity.

“In some instances, his comments were in violation of the constitution,” Rahman noted, adding that the President is implying it is he who will decide when the elections can be held. Rahman also accused the President of disregarding the independent commissions set up by him. “We are confused by his statements,” Rahman said, pointing to the many contradictory statements made by the head of state in recent times.

Rahman likened Wickremesinghe’s comments to that of a dictator and said only one group was pleased by his address to Parliament. “There was a group who were laughing and cheering him on. He spoke to please this group that destroyed this country, it’s economy and the future of our children,” he said, adding that Wickremesinghe yesterday proved he was in fact the protector of the Pohottuwa and its MPs. Rahman said the President even disregarded the Speaker and acted as he pleased in Parliament. “He has no power to act in such a manner,” he said. “It shows his state of mind and this is a dangerous situation,” he  added. Rahman also slammed the President’s statements claiming that no election has been declared and that he will appoint a new Election Commission. Rahman questioned if the IMF and other organisations will now support Sri Lankan given the President’s penchant to make false statements. “Who will help us when the leader of the country is raving like a madman? This is highly damaging. What will the international community think of us? Will they believe the head of state is in his right senses?” he asked. Rahman warned these actions will only further delay incoming aid to the country. He also denied the President’s claim that he had texted Rahman warning him not to vacate his seat in Parliament.