The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday urged the Chief Justice and the Acting IGP to take immediate steps to probe former State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake’s calls with former CID Chief Shani Abeysekara, former High Court Judge Padmini Ranawaka and former Bribery Chief Dilrukshi Wickramasinghe and to take immediate action against any culprits after recording their statements,states State Energy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena.
He was addressing a press briefing at the SLPP head office said that statements were not recorded with regard to the telephone conversations Ramanayake had with former CID Chief Shani Abeysekara, former High Court Judge Padmini Ranawaka and former Bribery Chief Dilrukshi Wickramasinghe. “Only one law exists within the country, the same law which is exercised on the general public must also apply to the higher strata of society as well,” he added.
“The previous government was trying to reintroduce the death penalty in the guise of bringing drug traffickers to book. If Duminda Silva was sentenced to death, nobody could bring his life back. It is crystal clear that the law was twisted according to political whims and fancies. The setback faced by the Judicial system must be altered. A proper mechanism must be established immediately to investigate into the cases that had a political hand,” he said.
Abeygunawardena challenged Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to reject all the benefits that the Opposition Leader is entitled to.
“Prior to the Presidential election, Sajith Premadasa was boasting about the simple life style he leads refraining using backup and luxury vehicles that goes with his post.But, now he is enjoying all the benefits,State Minister Abeygunawardena alleged. “However, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the President of the country acted has acted in an exemplary manner by reducing the number of his backup vehicles,” he added.
He also criticized the statement of Opposition Leader Premadasa when journalists questioned him on his opinion regarding Ranjan Ramanayake. “Sajith Premadasa responded that a politician of his stature will not comment on a comical character like Ranjan Rmanayake. Yet, during the Presidential election campaign, he alleged to have said that given a different opinion about Ranjan Ramanayake. The UNP itself has become a big joke today,” State Minister Abeygunawardena said. He said that Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa could have raised the issue of the Singapore agreement and the MCC before it got Cabinet approval.
“The Opposition Leader is trying to pass the buck pretending not to bre a member of the previous government. He was a responsible Minister in the government. Therefore,why did he not raise the issue at that time,” Abeygunawardena asked. MP D.V. Chanaka said that a special committee must be appointed to probe the controversial telephone conversations to restore faith in the judicial system. “If a character like Ranjan Ramanayake had allegedly interfered in court decisions in such a manner, then there certainly would have been influential ministers who were pulling the strings,” Chanaka said.
He also highlighted the fact that prior to the Presidential election, there were articulations that Sri Lanka will have to face economic barriers if Gotabaya Rajapaksa becomes the President. But now the GSP Plus facility has also been extended until 2023. “When the country is in safe hands we receive the support of other countries and the country can develop its good image.