News
President arming himself with dictatorial powers under proposed Anti-Terrorism Act, FSP says
By Saman Indrajith
The Frontline Socialist Party says that in the guise of doing away with the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act the government is planning to bring in a more draconian Anti-Terrorism Act.
Addressing the media at the party’s headquarters in Nugegoda, FSP Educational Secretary Pubudu Jagoda said that the PTA would soon be replaced by an ATA which would give draconian powers to the President.
“The President will have powers to ban any organisation at will. He will have the discretion to fix the terrorist label on any individual or organisation and have him or her arrested and detained. He could even attach the terrorist label on any society or group. Thereafter not even a lawyer would be able to speak against it, for those who speak against it too would be identified as people aiding and abetting of terrorism,” Jagoda said.
“The police and military too will be given discretionary powers enabling them to use those powers arbitrarily. Apart from the courts only the President has powers to issue detention orders under the provisions of the PTA. IUSF convener Wasantha Mudalige and other student leaders Ven. Galwewa Siridhamma Thera and Hashan Jeewantha were detained after the Galle Face Aragalaya by using those provisions. The President ordered their detention. As per the proposed provisions of the ATA, a DIG too could issue such detention orders. How many DIGs do we have now and in what manner would they use such power? Where is the guarantee that these DIGs would not abuse that power? Simply, a DIG would be able to detain any person for three months and the courts would not be able to do anything if the proposed ATA becomes law,” Jagoda said.
“This ATA coming in place of PTA would be similar to swapping chilies for ginger as our ancient adage goes,” Jagoda said, adding that all those who cherish democratic values must stand against the ATA.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya yesterday sad that the Executive Presidency would be abolished, in line with the NPP’s election manifesto.
Speaking in Parliament, in response to a question raised under Standing Order 27/2 by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the abolition would take place through a proposed new Constitution.
She added that preliminary work on drafting the new Constitution had already begun, with previous committee reports and other proposals being studied to guide the process.
“A concept paper on the draft will be presented to the Cabinet,” Amarasuriya said, noting that a formal study has been initiated on abolishing the Executive Presidency.
She said that the move cannot be implemented without introducing a new Constitution.
Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that the suspension of duties imposed on Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
Raising the issue during parliamentary proceedings, Premadasa, who is also the SJB Leader, questioned the decision to suspend the senior medical officer for issuing a statement to the media, particularly on matters relating to children’s medicines.
He said health was a fundamental right and noted that two children had reportedly died, stressing that the focus should be on accountability over the incident rather than penalising a medical professional for speaking out.
Premadasa criticised the authorities for suspending Dr. Bellana solely for communicating with the media, asking whether such action constituted justice for families who had lost their children.The Opposition Leader said silencing officials, who raise concerns, undermines fundamental rights and does not address the underlying issues related to patient safety and public health.
Acting Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana has been suspended.
A letter, issued by the Ministry of Health, says preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Health has revealed that Dr. Bellana, as a government medical officer holding a responsible position, made statements to the media, without approval, in a manner that created a controversial situation in the country and unrest among the public.
The letter further stated that formal disciplinary action will be taken in due course regarding this matter.
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