Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa alleges that the government is spinning new stories to postpone the elections, by claiming that there was a serious issue with appointing a new Inspector General of Police (IGP) and that the speaker and the Chief Justice will discuss and solve these problems.
MP Premadasa pointed out that as the Supreme Court has given its verdict, no one can talk or discuss the matter, adding that it is unethical for the Speaker to discuss it with the judges.
The Opposition Leader accused the President of trying to preserve his presidency through subterfuge.
He further urged the President, the Prime Minister, the Speaker and the Cabinet to implement the decision of the Supreme Court without playing with the supreme law of the country.
Stating that the President first attempted subterfuge, MP Premadasa said even though the President claims that he was a Presidential Candidate he cannot interfere in the appointment of the Inspector General of Police, there was no such thing in the Constitution.
The Opposition Leader pointed out that there are responsibilities of the President in the Constitution and if he does not execute them, then he should resign and pave the way for another President to do it.
His comments today come after the President claimed that the Supreme Court has said the appointment of an IGP is illegal while Parliament declares it is legal, adding that with September 21 set as the election date, this situation could become a significant problem.
“So, I discussed this with our Venerable Mahanayaka Theros, the Chairman of the Election Commission, and other leaders. They all agreed that we need to find a solution to this issue. We can’t let it collapse like this because it is the people who will be affected.
“I view this issue from a different perspective. Rather than focusing on the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) or the Constituent Assembly meeting, I refer to Article 4 of the constitution, which states that elections are part of the people’s sovereignty. We must honour this sovereignty. According to Article 104 of the constitution, the Election Commission is empowered to conduct free and independent elections in the country. The period for holding such elections began on July 17. It is our absolute duty to fully support the Election Commission in conducting this free and independent election,” the President had said, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The President further said; “Minister Manusha Nanayakkara inquired from the Election Commissioner if my photo could be posted on this platform. They requested to remove it. This isn’t a problem for me. We need to have discussions and debates about this. However, the Supreme Court also had a duty to consult the Election Commission on this matter. According to Article 104 of the Constitution, the Election Commission has to request police officers through the Inspector General of Police, not from the DIG. This must come from the Inspector General of Police.
“Without an Inspector General of Police, how can we secure the necessary officers? The required number of police officers should be requested this week; if delayed, it will not be possible, and the election cannot be held. Therefore, this issue is very important.
“Therefore, it was the Supreme Court’s primary duty to consult the Election Commission on this matter. Likewise, Parliament should have asked the Election Commission about these issues and provided a decision. The failure to do so has created a significant problem. I do not want the election to be postponed, and I am not ready to delay it beyond September 21. I am determined to hold this election as planned. Vote for whomever you prefer; it is not a problem and it’s your right,” he said.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe further noted, “We need to stop going to court now and find a solution. We must decide whether to defuse this situation or let it explode. We cannot allow it to blow up. It needs to be dismantled and deactivated piece by piece. Both Parliament and the Supreme Court must act accordingly.
“Therefore, I ask that both the Speaker and the Chief Justice discuss and resolve this issue. I spoke to the Speaker in the morning, and he mentioned that he had sent a letter to the Attorney General and said he was ready to talk to the Chief Justice. I will also inform the Chief Justice to discuss this. We must solve this problem within this week.
“Under Article 4 of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the country’s security. The Supreme Court punished President Maithripala Sirisena for failing to protect the country. We need the Police to ensure the country’s safety, and the Intelligence Division and the Special Task Force must be operational. What will happen if we lose these capabilities?” he added. (Newswire)
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