By<\/p>\n
Karu Jayasuriya M.P.<\/strong><\/p>\n (Brief Notes of the Press Conference held by Hon. Karu Jayasuriya- \u2022\tWe listened to the Speech of the President on the occasion of the Opening of the New Building of the Chartered Accountants Association yesterday. Large majority of citizens, including myself, were amazed to hear the speech. However, we appreciate the declaration of the admission of the mistake.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2022\tHe stated that he will appoint an independent committee to re-examine the report of the PSC and decide according to his conscience.<\/p>\n \u2022\tThis indirectly indicates that the PSC report submitted hurriedly is not accurate and impartial. Government members of the PSC have been subjected to ridicule. By this act of the Government CJ has been exonerated in the presence of the public. Also it reveals that the law of the jungle is being administered.<\/p>\n \u2022\tWhat is the status of the sovereignty of the people, when the PSC is being reviewed by another panel, when the judiciary and the Chief Justice are being insulted by the henchmen who came in taxis, three wheelers and buses. To what extent can we justify insulting the Chief Justice at the PSC.<\/p>\n \u2022\tIn his speech President stated that he “covered” the Chairman appointed by the government. It is wrong to “cover” in this manner. If somebody has done any wrong law should apply to all equally.<\/p>\n \u2022\tThere was an increase in crime as the law of the country was not implemented properly due to political influence. Most of the thugs manage to avoid punishments due to political power. Names of persons who assaulted the members of Parliament with iron bars were mentioned in the Parliament, but they were sheltered. When we witness things happening at present, we feel that Sri Lanka is approaching the darkest period.<\/p>\n \u2022\tWhen the 18th amendment was passed repealing the17th amendment we stated that the death knell of the democracy was sounded on that day. After this date we saw military camps being established in every district.<\/p>\n \u2022\tWe saw many media institutions being subjected to direct or indirect control of the government. \u2022\tWe saw private banks and large companies being taken under the control of the state or handed over to friends, utilizing funds of the Employees Provident Fund.<\/p>\n \u2022\tWe do not have to explain to the public how Editors and Journalists were murdered and harassed when they criticized the actions of the government.<\/p>\n \u2022\tBill for the Right to Information was defeated in Parliament because the government has things to hide.<\/p>\n \u2022\tThe legislature, one of the main pillars essential for democracy to prevail, is completely subjected to the control of the Executive. Although the supremacy of Parliament is highlighted, all decisions pertaining to state administration are taken by the President.<\/p>\n \u2022\tAn attempt is being made to get the judiciary under the control of the Executive. If that happens democracy of the country will be annihilated. It is the Judiciary which protects the constitution.<\/p>\n \u2022\tWe have a duty to protect the judiciary not the individuals. We have to protect democracy for our future generations.<\/p>\n \u2022\tImpeachment was brought in for a suppressive course of action. When punishments are meted out to supporters of the government, when judgments are not favourable to the government, when the judiciary proposes for transparency in financial expenditure, those who are intoxicated with power get annoyed.<\/p>\n \u2022\tThis is why they take revenge from the Judiciary.<\/p>\n \u2022\tChief Justice was found guilty of charges framed against her, creating a Guinness record. It was done faster than the sprint of Usain Bolt, World Champion in 100 meters.<\/p>\n \u2022\tImpeachment motion was brought on 1st November. PSC was appointed on the 15th. Inquiry started on the 23rd. Concluded on 7th December. Report handed over to the Speaker on 8th December. Inquiry concluded in 14 days and report submitted in 24 hours. In this world, we have never heard of an inquiry concluded within such a short period of the time.<\/p>\n \u2022\tNot only murderers, even the cases involving illicit arrack and pick pockets are given a reasonable period of time.<\/p>\n \u2022\tIn this instance government exposed its nudity to the world.<\/p>\n \u2022\tAccording to the press report and what we have heard in the Parliament Lobby, some Members of Parliament have signed blank papers, without knowing the reasons.<\/p>\n : 3 :<\/p>\n \u2022\tMembers of the Rajapakse family made it a point not to sign it.<\/p>\n \u2022\tThis reminds us of the proverb “Balalun lavaa kosata bawanawa”.<\/p>\n \u2022\tWe witnessed insults to the Judiciary, Chief Justice and the Judges, by protesters brought in Three Wheelers, Taxis and Buses.<\/p>\n \u2022\tWe are ashamed about the behaviour of the state media on this occasion.<\/p>\n \u2022\tA government of a so called democratic country should not have behaved in this manner.<\/p>\n \u2022\tLarger majority of the people of the country have realized that the intention of the inquiry held without any accepted method and against all accepted norms of democracy is nothing but a move to take revenge.<\/p>\n \u2022\tWe saw the law of the jungle being adopted. All sections of society are expressing their opposition to this injustice. All Clergy including Buddhist, Catholic and Christian priests, Hindu and Muslim religious leaders have expressed their opposition. Most Reverend Mahanayakes, His Eminence the Cardinal, Bishops and Hindu and Muslim Religious Leaders have requested the government to withdraw the impeachment motion.<\/p>\n \u2022\tJudges, Lawyers, intellectuals, artistes and Civil Society members have expressed their strong opposition. International Community has expressed their opposition. We saw the fundamentals of democracy being flouted. The government completely damaged the tradition of secrecy and other banking rules regarding the bank accounts. This is an adverse trend with regard to the investors.<\/p>\n \u2022\tAnother person appointed in future to this position will not be able to act impartially.<\/p>\n \u2022\tA situation is arising where an individual who has self esteem and conscience will find it difficult to accept the post of Chief Justice.<\/p>\n \u2022\tSevere damage was done to the good name of the country, due to this unwarranted impeachment motion. As a member of the Commonwealth, we have followed completely the opposite course of action against the accepted traditions. We may have to face unfavourable repercussions in the future.<\/p>\n \u2022\tAlthough we represent the opposition, as an individual who loves this country, I urge the government to heed the requests of the religious leaders and the larger majority of the masses and withdraw the charges without allowing it to be dragged on. We do not ask not to conduct an inquiry. Conduct an impartial inquiry according to an accepted methodology and respecting the fundamentals of democracy. Conduct an exemplary inquiry by a tribunal consisting of judges of the Commonwealth.<\/p>\n : 4 :<\/p>\n \u2022\tThat judgment can be implemented with the consent of all whilst safeguarding the supremacy of Parliament.<\/p>\n \u2022\tFinally, we wish to state that we express these in good faith. We do not like to see the country we live and die being defamed.<\/p>\n \u2022\tPeople of this country are not cowards. One day they will rise up against injustice and fraud. Any powerful person will be compelled to bow down to public opinion.<\/p>\n
\n UNP M.P. for Gampaha District on 12th December 2012)<\/em><\/p>\n
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