Sirisena: PM Ranil instructed his ministers not to carry out presidential orders

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had instructed his ministers not to follow presidential orders, former President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday, at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) investigating the Easter Sunday attacks.

That prevented decisive steps from being taken and also led to the Easter Sunday attacks, Sirisena said, adding that after he had taken over the ministry of law, he had held a monthly discussion with senior Police officers. He felt that the Police Department should be strengthened, and during the discussion police officers were given the opportunity to directly inform him of the problems they were facing. 

“We discussed various administrative issues, issues related to the underworld and drugs as well as religious extremism. Islamic extremism, Sinhala Buddhist extremism, Hindu extremism and Christian fundamentalism were also discussed. I always advised the relevant officials to eliminate such threats.”

The Attorney General’s Department official who led evidence then asked the witness how the Easter Sunday attacks had taken place if the officers had acted on such instructions. Sirisena said that some officers had acted on his instructions and other had ignored them.

“The Commanders of the Tri- forces and the military intelligence officers acted on my instructions. But Ranil Wickremesinghe had advised officials and ministers not to follow my instructions. So, my instructions did not reach the lower officials.”

The Prime Minister had instructed the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank not to carry out the recommendations made by the National Economic Council, which was under him, Sirisena said.