JVP Responses to Maithri’s Stunt on CID, FCID & Independent Commissions
Janathā Vimukthi Peramuṇa(JVP) in a statement released today, has challenged President Maithripala Sirisena to disclose as to whose political agenda is carried out through the Bribery Commission , CID and FCID .
The President yesterday hit out at the Bribery Commission for taking three former navy commanders to court and said that if the CID and the FCID were driven by political agenda, stern action will be taken.
If President’s statement is true and these institutions are being run under a political agenda, people should have the right to know , as to who is controlling these institutions. This is a serious statement made by the President in public, the JVP said.
The JVP also pointed out that the independent commissions were established under the 19th Amendment after continuous pressure from the people and civil society organizations. Therefore, undermining such organizations cannot be taken lightly, the JVP said.
It also said that the President should not undermine and intimidate investigative authorities. It could only lead to even more corruption and malpractices by those in power. Purpose of regime change on 8th January 2016 will be defeated by his statement.
In the meantime Transparency International Chairman Attorney-at-Law Lakshan Dias today condemned President Maithripala Sirisena for his comment on the Bribery Commission yesterday.
Further he said the Executive, President Maithripala Sirisena cannot interfere with the activities of the independent commissions.
The commissions have been appointed by the Constitutional Council created under the 19th Amendment of the Constitution and hence they are independent of the executive.
He called on the President to withdraw the statement on the Bribery Commission. Statement made by President regarding the CID and the FCID too cannot be justified.
‘’Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears ‘’ – William Shakespeare
