Criminal offences, compromising positions, and helpless public

Dear Editor,

I wish to congratulate the Daily Financial Times for the bold stand taken in taking on the Chief Justice’s issue. Mr. Weliamuna’s article was very thought-provoking. But what do we citizens do other than expect organisations like the Bar Association or the OPA to take a stand and do what is right for the sake of the country?

If the main Opposition is failing in its duty to do what is best for society, there is no place the public can turn to other than seeking support from religious leaders to ensure that our leaders act with a sense of responsibility.

I note from Mr. Weliamuna’s article that so far the authorities have done next to nothing to take action against the Chairman and Directors of The Finance Company and the remaining Directors of National Savings Bank. They are equally responsible for this disgraceful episode. They, like the former Chairman of NSB, should be charged by court for attempting to deceive the public and rob the depositors’ money at NSB.

This is a criminal offense and all those who are responsible should be charged and stripped of their titles and prevented from holding public office again to act as a deterrent for future generations.

If only Mr. Sarath N. Silva, as Mr. Weliamuna points out, upheld the values of the office he held for over 10 years. That would have set a standard for the others to follow. Instead he compromised his position in many cases and nearly brought the Supreme Court to its knees. There is simply no point in him lamenting now for his past mistakes.

Regards,

N. Dias