UNP DEP. LEADER KARU JAYASURIYA ON WHY EMERGENCY REGULATIONS MUST BE LIFTED
Deputy Leader of the United National Party Karu Jayasuriya has emphasized on the need to lift emergency regulations.
karujHe stated that even though the United National Front government removed emergency regulations in 2001, successive governments had kept the state of emergency in force and that even after the war victory, this situation had not changed.
UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya went on to point out that following the war victory, the government had many invaluable opportunities to rebuild the image of the nation and of the country.
Issuing a release, he added that, while claiming to relax emergency regulations in the face of heavy international pressure that was exerted owing to emergency regulations not being lifted following the conclusion of the war, the government kept these regulations in force to quell trade union action and public protests.
He added that even to date, the government uses emergency regulations to suppress those who hold opposing views.
While pointing out that in such a backdrop Sri Lanka is cornered by the International Community, Karu Jayasuriya observed that there is a risk of a people’s uprising for Democracy much like in Egypt and Libya.
The UNP Deputy Leader has also emphasized that, just as his party predicted earlier, the international community, including India, is pressuring the government to protect Democracy, remove emergency regulations and create an environment where all ethnicities can enjoy equal rights through a political solution.
The release added that eight media associations have already voiced their objections to the government’s attempt to reactivate the press council, with powers to punish and imprison journalists.
He added that in the final evaluation, it is the entire country and the people who will have to face these repercussions and not political parties or persons donning different colours.
Courtesy: News First
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This sod is another LTTE supporter and traitor who is fishing in troubled waters. He is vying to be the next leader when the current sod and traitor steps down.
This bunch of past-it sods deserve to be hung for betrayal of the motherland.
The emergency regulations in SL should remain in force just as they have been enforced in USA and Britain since terrorist strikes in these countries, and remain in force to date. In these countries even entry regulations to their countries are very stringent, to the point of even XRay examinations that denudes people as they pass through. This is a gross violation of human rights in these countries. This is done all in the name of fear of Al Qaeda attacks. In these countries every telephone conversation and email are being monitored by their intelligence services using sophisticated equipment, round the clock.
We are fortunate in SL we do not live under such regimes and gun cultures.
@Nicholas Dias ,
You try to justify the existence of emergency regulations. Are you aware of the powers which could be used against anyone included in the ER ? These rules give arbitrary power to arrest and detain people. Now LTTE no more , do we need all these powers ? For what do we need ? Fine – we will have airport security as you mentioned. But do we need the power to arrest and detain people without producing them at the courts anymore ?
Emergency regulations are in force even in USA and Britain under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. It is for the security of the country against evil forces which try to sabotage, subvert and destroy a state. As such we need to maintain this emergency powers under the Prevention of Terrorism Act as we are not out of the woods yet. Our enemies are still at the door. We have to be constantly vigilant. We cannot let our guard down. It is the enemy who cries against the emergency regulations. Patriotic citizens have nothing to worry about. They are secure. They are happy for stringent laws to protect the nation.