NPP lawyers condemn President’s perceived threat against HRCSL

Saturday, 26 November 2022 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says President’s statement asking HRCSL to not intervene in every matter is a threat against the independent institution
Warns that his Hansard statement will be attached to every future FR filed by them
Notes Wickremesinghe’s comments will give free rein to the police to do as they please
Assures NPP will continue to stand for the people’s right to protest peacefully

The Lawyers of the National People’s Power party have condemned the recent statement made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe which can be taken as a perceived threat against the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL).

Speaking at a press conference held yesterday, the vice president of the organisation, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala said the President has threatened the HRCSL which is an independent commission by asking them to not intervene in every matter.

“We condemn this statement. He is threatening members of a commission appointed to protect the fundamental rights of the people. This is a threat to the HRCSL as well as other law enforcement agencies.” he said.

“The HRCSL has decided to inquire into a complaint regarding the obstruction of two women marching from Panadura to Colombo by the police. Now according to Ranil's threat should it be stopped?” he asked.

Watagala said the President’s statement claiming the people must obtain a permit to travel along the road is also serious. He pointed out that Article 74 of the Police Ordinance merely says one must inform the nearest police prior to holding a protest.

“But in two cases this article has been interpreted where it was held informing the nearest police in writing or verbally as satisfying this requirement. Permits must only be obtained for activities such as sand mining and sale of liquor without which it makes such acts illegal,” he said.

According to Watagala, the statement could even result in the president being named as a party to a fundamental rights petition. “We will include the president’s statement in the Hansard in all future fundamental rights petitions if the president seeks to suppress the rights of the people. Wickramasinghe has made this statement against the constitution under the guise of parliamentary privileges,” he said. Watagala also claimed the president through his statement has given free rein to the police to do as they please.

He noted that while the freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed by the Constitution, any limitation can only be implemented through the passing of an act in parliament. “We must remind Ranil Wickremesinghe that no such act has been passed. Therefore, the Police must act according to the existing law,” Watagala said adding the NPP will continue to stand for the people’s right to voice their dissent peacefully.