Karu claims intimidatory acts of Govt. on the rise

UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya yesterday warned intimidatory acts on the part of the Government were on the rise, whilst alleging signs of dictatorship were quite visible.

“We do not select individuals and protect them. However, if the Chief Justice and the Secretary of the Judicial Services Commission are subjected to pressure or revenge, as a result of performing duties according to their conscience, we fearlessly appear against it. We want to die in a democratic country not in a country where dictatorship reigns. Therefore in the name of democracy we appeal to honourable members of the Government not to let this deterioration happen. It is the duty of all of us in the opposition to keep aside all our differences and protect democracy of our country for future generations,” Jayasuriya told a media conference yesterday.

“We have no personal friendship with Shirani Bandaranayake, the Chief Justice, or Manjula Thilakaratne, Secretary Judicial Services Commission. But we have to come forward to safeguard democracy and the independent judiciary. A country moves towards dictatorship when the three columns, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary are fallen,” Jayasuriya said.

The UNP MP claimed that in order to bring upon influence on the Chief Justice, charges have been framed against her husband and action is being taken on the charges.

“If an offence has been committed it should be punished. But in this instance what is taking place even before an investigation is conducted is nothing but an attempt to influence the Chief Justice. Many misdeeds were reported in the Employees Provident Fund in the same manner as the National Savings Bank. Hence, all institutions should be investigated,” Jayasuriya said.

He also alleged that there are moves to bring an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice.

“In terms of Section 107 of the Constitution, an impeachment of this nature could be moved when there is misconduct or inability. We do not see any such misconduct or inability,” opined Jayasuriya, adding, “We are amazed to see this behaviour of a responsible Government. If libellous documents are used to remove the head of governments, those who are despised by the Government we consider this as deterioration in the country.”

According to Jayasuriya, the present crisis started since the Government could not obtain the judgment expected on the draft of the Divi Neguma Bill. “When 90 billion rupees come under the control of a Minister without the supervision of the Provincial Council and scrutiny of the Auditor General, the public realised the gravity of it. We do not intend to discuss the Divi Neguma Bill, as it is subjected to scrutiny of the Judiciary. The Constitution and the Provincial Councils are in a real crisis due to this. The judgment on this bill is due on 31 October. Therefore there are threats and character assassinations aimed at the Judiciary on an unprecedented scale. Such regrettable incidents have never been reported in the history of the Judiciary, which started in 1802,” MP Jayasuriya said at the press conference.

“We love our country. We also have feelings towards the country. If there is harm to the future of the country, progress of the country, to the people and the future generations, we are compelled to rise against it. A great threat is looming at democracy and human rights which we won in the past. We foresee the signs of dangerous times ahead. We should not stay silent any longer,” Jayasuriya said.

He said that today limitless powers are surrounded among one person, one family or a small group of individuals through the 18th Amendment, legislature is completely subjected to the authority of the Executive. “We witness the ill effects of this,” Jayasuriya said listing incidents such as deterioration of democracy, attack on free media, politicisation of the public service and intimidation of the Judiciary.