The Law and Order Ministry needs to function independently without linking with the Defence Ministry to maintain the maximum level of security, Development Strategies and Internal Trade Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara said.
He was addressing the media at Temple Trees on Tuesday.
The Deputy Minister added that when considering the huge workload and responsibilities saddled with the Law and Order Ministry, it is important for the Ministry to function independently.
“With the busy schedule of the President, he may not be able to spend more time for the Law and Order Ministry’s activities. It is hard to manage the Ministry as there is no deputy minister for the Ministry,” he said.
Speaking on the Easter Sunday terror attacks, the Deputy Minister added that the three-member committee appointed by the President to look into the attacks should submit its report promptly to the country and to Parliament.
“We urge the President to ask for the report promptly and take stern action accordingly,” he said.
The Deputy Minister said that there should be an impartial investigation into incidents of rioting reported from some areas after the Easter Sunday attacks. “Meanwhile, certain persons are trying to gain political mileage through the spreading of baseless fear. The tourism industry was badly affected by the terror attacks but it can bounce back by the implementation of a proper mechanism,” he said.
When asked about the sterilisation issue involving a doctor in Kurunegala, the Deputy Minister said that an impartial investigation should be carried out by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC).
“An impartial prompt investigation is needed,” he stressed.
When questioned by the media about the No-Confidence Motion against Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, Deputy Minister Bandara said that the Opposition can submit their allegations to the Parliament Select Committee (PSC). He highlighted that the PSC has powers to deprive the civic rights of a guilty person.
When the Deputy Minister was questioned whether the country can reach its investment goals set for this year, he said the country could receive foreign investment amounting US$ 2.7 billion against the projected US$ 3 billion.
“We never discouraged the investors after the Easter Sunday terror attacks. As planned, projects implemented with foreign investments are in progress as usual even after the terror attacks,” he said.
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