Not a single international resolution against SL during yahapalana govt. – Kiriella

By Saman Indrajith

Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella yesterday said that the government was in an economic mess and it should negotiate with international lenders to reschedule the repayment of outstanding debt immediately so that would help to get out of the present crisis.

Addressing the media at the Opposition Leader’s office in Colombo, Kiriella said: “Sri Lanka is in a crisis thanks to economic mismanagement by the present government. We have failed on both local and foreign fronts. People are aware of the government’s domestic failure but have no idea of the failures on the international front. International community has passed resolutions against us in recent times. The UNHRC passed a resolution against us. Then the EU passed another resolution against us. Now, a resolution against us is being discussed in the US Congress. We are helpless internationally. Since the Yahapalana government dealt with the international community professionally and diplomatically there wasn’t a single resolution against this country during our time.

“The government would have the people believe that the international community demands that the Prevention of Terrorism Act be abolished. It is wrong. The international community’s opinion on the matter is based on three factors. As per the PTA provisions when a person taken into custody he or she could be detained for 18 months. The international community demands that this be reduced to one month. Second they demand that any suspect taken into custody should be presented before a judge within 48 hours. Third, there are many problems pertaining to the confessions made to the police by the suspects and the international community is of the opinion that the suspect’s confession should be made before a judge.

“These three issues are very simple and not only the international community but also any Sri Lankan would approve them because their ultimate benefit is to the people. For example, Shani Abeysekara was detained for nine months. The Court of Appeal ordered that he be released on bail.”

Responding to a question by journalists on the progress with regard to the no-confidence motion against Minister Udaya Gammanpila, the Chief Opposition Whip said: “We have moved this motion on behalf of the people of this country. We believe that the prices of fuel have been increased without any valid reason. They have aggravated the problems the public is faced with. There is a chance that the government may revise the fuel prices in favour of people in a bid to get rid of this no-confidence motion.