‘PA-UNP consensus not
acceptable’
TULF rejects devolution, wants govt. to talk to LTTEby
Zacki Jabbar
The Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), yesterday rejected the "devolution
package" reached between the Peoples Alliance (PA) and the United National
Party(UNP), saying it is no substitute for the federal structure it had proposed.
Senior TULF Vice President V. Anandasangari told "The Island" that the
consensus reached between the two parties does not provide for a permanent merger of the
North-East and inclusion of land as a devolved subject.
"We are also opposed to the holding of a referendum in the East to determine the
future of the Northern and Eastern provinces.This we feel is totally unnecessary".
Asked about India’s reported recognition of the consensus reached between the PA
and UNP, Anandasangari said that in view of such recognition and the stated position of
major powers that they would not permit a division of Sri Lanka, the government’s
federal proposal could have been put directly to the LTTE.
The TULF he said will decide whether to accept President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s
invitation for talks today after their General Secretary R.Sambandan returns from the
United Kingdom this morning.
"Any decision about attending the meeting will be taken only after
Mr.Sambandan’s arrival.We are also in the process of studying the UNP proposals, a
copy of which was obtained today".
Anandasangari accused the government of wasting time by talking to the UNP about its
1995 devolution proposals without going directly to the LTTE.
"If the UNP is opposed to Federalism the next best thing would have been is to
ignore the UNP and go direct to the LTTE.What has happened is that the 1995 proposals have
been watered down and the so called consensus reached between the PA and UNP.Who asked for
the post of Vice Presidents?" he queried.
Anandasangari said that many issues the PA and UNP have agreed on, could have waited
until the nature of the state had been been sorted out .
"They have agreed on matters such as independent election, police,judicial and
public service commissions which do not have much significance to us. It is the duty of
the UNP to agree to the PA ‘s federal proposal" he observed.
Enthusiastic
launch of GL’s ‘Collection of Speeches’
A collection of speeches of Professor G. L. Peiris, Minister of Justice, Constitutional
Affairs, Ethnic Affairs and National Integration and Deputy Minister of Finance entitled
"Towards Equity" was launched on Saturday at the BMICH.
President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, in a message delivered on her behalf by
her Secretary K. Balapatabendi said that in the book: "Professor Peiris has dealt
with a whole range of critical issues pertaining to the formulation and implementation of
public policy in Sri Lanka." and that "The breadth and scope of his vision,
comprehensively, candidly and eloquently enuniciated in his speeches, is most
impressive".
Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, who presided at the ceremony said that the book is
"A meticulously compiled presentation of speeches made at different fora covering a
wide array of subjects" and that "these subjects are of profound significance to
the contemporary Sri Lankan society and its polity". He added that the publication
contains "the profound and valued ideas of a man of undoubted intellect and wisdom,
having a rich experience in the three spheres of teaching, administration and
governance."
The book published by the Ministry of Justice, Constitutional Affairs, Ethnic Affairs
and National Integration was prepared by an Editorial Board chaired by Professor Bertram
Bastianpillai, the Ombudsman and Emeritus Professor of History, Dr. Jayadeva Uyangoda
Senior Lecturer of the University of Colombo, Dr. Jayampathy Wickremaratne,
Attorney-at-Law and T. Sabaratnam, senior journalist. Professor Sir William Wade QC, the
doyen of British administrative law, in his foreward to the volume states that Professor
Peiris "having established his reputation as a teacher and a scholar in the
University of Colombo, first as Professor and later as Vice Chancellor, embarked on a new
career in Parliament and government, becoming Minister of Justice and Constitutional
Affairs, a post admirably suited to his talents. He has worked devotedly in the cause of
constitutional and legal reform and in opposing the vindictive injustices which have
sometimes marred political life in his country". He adds: "The ambit of these
speeches reaches far beyond the legal and constitutional field and they reveal the mind of
a statesmen."
Dr. Jayadeva Uyangoda who spoke on behalf of the editorial board expressed his pleasure
at having the opportunity to be associated with his task. He spoke of the changing social
dynamic and Professor Peiris’ contribution to beneficial social change in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Uyangoda also read out a congratulatory message from former Chief Justice of India
P.N. Bhagwati. Justice Bhagwati in his message said: "Professor Peiris is an eminent
educationists, an outstanding jurist and a distinguished writer who has made a significant
contribution in the world of law and legal scholarship." The judge, who is also Vice
Chairman of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, says that the compilation of
speeches are akin to "a necklace of jewels each jewel bright and lustrous".
The Chief Justice of Bangladesh, Latifur Rahman, who was the guest of honour and who
delivered the keynote address on the occasion stated that: "In these remarkable
speeches, Professor Peiris speaks with deep commitment, understanding and knowledge on
problems which are at once local contemporary and universal". He commented
appreciately on the several themes reflected in the book of speeches which include
governance, social justice, human rights, legal reforms, constitutional law and
philosophy, economic advancement and political philosophy as well as religious and social
mores. Chief Justice Rahman said he was sure that "Towards Equity" would be read
both with interest and profit not only in Sri Lanka but also in other parts of the world.
Minister Peiris also made a presentation of copies of the book to the Bar Association
of Sri Lanka, the Colombo Law Society, the Faculty of Law of the University of Colombo,
the Sri Lanka Law College and the Department of Law of the Open University of Sri Lanka.
The well attended launch ceremony was graced by several national political leaders
including Ministers D. M. Jayaratne, A. H. M. Fowzie, Alavi Moulana, Batty Weerakoon. M.
H. M. Ashraff, Amarasiri Dodangoda and John Seneviratne, Leader of the Opposition and of
the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe, TULF MP M. Anandasangari, DPLF leader D.
Sithadthan and EPDP leader D. Devananda. Western Province Governor, Justice P. Ramanathan
also attended. The judiciary, diplomatic corps, academia, the business community, media,
the legal profession and the NGO community were also represented at the function. Two
special guests from overseas who visited Sri Lanka for a symposium on "Governance for
Social Justice" which followed the launch — Professors Cheryl Saunders from the
University of Melbourne and Professor Thomas Fleiner of the University of Fribourg,
Switzerland — also graced the occasion.
Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Constitutional Affairs, Ethnic Affairs and
National Integration, M. S. Jayasinghe, who was Chairman of the Organizing Committee which
made the arrangements for the launch and hosted the event, delivered the vote of thanks.
Massive haul of stolen
jewellery and arms
NUGEGODA: Police arrested three burglars in the early hours yesterday
at the police checkpoint at Koralaima, Kahathuduwa and was able to recover gold jewellery
worth rupees five million and a cache of arms, Kahatuduwa police said.
On information revealed by these three suspects held in detention orders police was
able to recover gold jewellery stolen and hidden in different places. Also mortgaged at a
pawn shop in Negombo.
It had also been revealed that this gang was responsible for the robbing of jewellery
worth over rupees four million from the house of a millionaire businessman at
Divulapitiya, Boralesgamuwa within Kohuwela police division about two weeks ago.
Among the jewellery recovered were 300 gold rings, 350 earstuds, 104 necklaces, 32
bracelets, 147 pendants and 43 bangles.
The cache of arms taken into custody consisted a hand grenade, repeater revolver, 3.8
pistol, 06 live bullets and daggers.
These jewellery had been robbed from Mt. Lavinia, Kohuwela, Mirihana areas, police
sources said.
Kahatuduwa police under the instructions of Western Province (South) DIG, Jayantha
Wickramaratne is carrying out further investigations.
Four
terrorists killed while removing body of Tiger cadre - Army
Troops operating ahead of defences in general area Tattovankotte Jaffna sniped and
killed one terrorist around 11.30 a.m. on Saturday, the Information Department said.
A little while later a group of four terrorists came to the location and tried to
remove the dead body. Troops engaged the four terrorists killing all of them.
Terrorists retaliated with mortars. One soldier was injured due to terrorist mortar
fire.
Police personnel from Karapola police post Welikanda in ambush, engaged a group of
terrorists with small arms around 3.45 p.m.
Two terrorists were killed and one terrorist was injured due to the incident.
Police personnel subsequently recovered one terrorist‘s dead body along with one
40 mm grenade launcher and eight rounds two T56 weapoons, five magazines, three hand
grenades and two pouchers.
Gang kills sergeant
Norman Palihawadana
A sergeant attached to Horana police was killed on the spot and reserve
Sub-Inspector in charge of Crimes division critically injured when a gang arriving in a
three wheeler to hijack vehicles opened fire at Wagawatta, Horana on Saturday.
One suspect arrested in this connection was subsequently shot dead Horana police said.
The deceased police sergeant has been identified as Wickramanayake while the injured
reserve sub-inspector, Udaya Kumara has been admitted to Kalutara Hospital.
According to the statement by the suspect a few hours before the sergeant was shot dead
by the police he had arrived with his brother, an army deserter and another friend also a
deserter from the navy with plans to hijack vehicles. While they were in the three wheeler
parked at Wagawatte, Horana the two police officers concerned arrived near the three
wheeler and demanded their identity cards. Then one of the three in the three wheeler who
was in possession of a revolver opened fire on the police officers.
Immediately the shooting occurred police arrived on the scene. The suspect’s
brother and the friend escaped while the suspect was arrested.
According to the Kalutara police the suspect had later volunteered to hand over a gun
hidden and accompanied the police officers to the place where the gun was hidden. While
searching for the gun the suspect had suddenly picked up a handgrenade and was about to
throw it at the police officers when they opened fire on the suspect killing him.
A search operation has been launched by the police to crackdown the two escaped
suspects.
PA–UNP
talks end, peace still a distant dream
by Prasad Gunewardene
The curtain fell on the nine - week old PA-UNP talks at 8.10 last night with the
two leaders,President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Ranil Wickremesinghe exchanging
pleasantries and pledging to work hard to bring peace to Sri Lanka early.
After five hours of deliberations on contentious issues, President Kumaratunga wound up
saying, "this is a very historic occassion and I trust this will be the fore runner
to bring peace to this country.I thank the UNP leader and his delegation with a ‘big
thank you’ to you Mr.Choksy for your constructive and erudite contributions and
suggestions.Similarly I say a ‘big thank you’ to my colleague, G.L.Peiris and
his officials for the untiring efforts to help me and my government in drafting these
peace proposals for discussion’.
Mr.Wickremesinghe summed up, "We in the UNP will do whatever possible to help
bring peace to Sri Lanka early within a united character of the country with more powers
devolved to the regions.I thank you Madam President for the patience and commitment shown
at these discussions.Last but not the least I thank your delegation,Minister Peiris,my
delegation and Mr.Choksy for all the help and assistance given to make these discussions
fruitful".
Therafter Prof.G.L.Peiris expressed an opinion from the Attorney General and said that
the new constitution could be passed by two thirds majority in the present Parliament and
after the general election a referendum could be held on the matter.
The UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that his party would need to look into the
matter as such a sensitive issue could not be discussed and finalised yesterday.
President Kumaratunga stated that she was contemplating to refer the matter to the
Supreme Court for constitutional opinion.The UNP did not object to the view of the
President.
At the out set the two sides discussed the issue of transitional powers of the
President.The President asked,’Do you want me to withdraw". Thus came the reply
from the UNP side,"No,you could be there but this issue has to be discussed at
length.
Prof.G.L.Peiris chipped into say, "the government considered to continue with the
system in order to have a strong executive until the war was over.If peace came early we
will definitely resign that office and come to parliament as the executive Prime Minister
under the new constitution".
Mr.Wickremesinghe said the motive of the new constitution was to have a titular
President acting on the advice of the Prime Minister in Parliament and lamented that if
the system continued without valid reason the objective could be lost.
Mr.Choksy explained that there could be constitutional conflicts arising by grafting
upon a West Minister system and an Executive Presidency.
Mr.Wickremesinghe moved to take the issue up on a later date and President Kumaratunga
agreed to discuss it after her talks with the Tamil parties.
Mrs.Kumaratunga also stated that she would come back to the UNP after the Tamil party
talks to make necessary adjustments to the draft if necessary.
On the issue of presidential powers over the regions it was decided that the President
under the new constitution acting on the advice of the Prime Minister could dissolve any
Regional Council which advocate’a secession from the Republic’.The
President’s decision to do so would have to be reported to parliament and a
Constitutional Tribunal consisting of equal representation from the Centre and the Regions
which would examine and approve the dissolution and report whether it was done correctly.
It was alsdo decided to empower the President to declare a state of emergency by
proclamation in any region that was engaged in armed insurrection or a breach of law and
order.
Both sides agreed to appoint a Constitutional Council comprising two Vice Presidents
one from the Tamil Parties and the other from the Muslim Parties and both to be appointed
by Parliament on the ‘weighted voting’ system.The chairmanship of the council
will rotate between the two Vice-Presidents while the other members of the Council shall
be the Prime Minister,Leader of the Opposition,two retired Supreme Court Judges appointed
by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice.
The delegations finalised the appointment of Judges to the Supreme Court and Appeal
Court in the following manner.This paper presented by Mr.Choksy was approved.
1)The Chief Justice,the President of the Court of Appeal and other judges of the
Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal shall be appointed by the President of the Republic
by warrant under his hand
2)Every such judge shall be a citizen of Sri Lanka who is an Attormey at Law and who is
in the opinion of the President has reached eminence in the legal profession or in the
judiciary or in the academic field of law and has maintained high standards of integrity
and rectitude in his professional and personal conduct.
3)The appointment of the President of the Court of Appeal and the judges of the Supreme
Court and the Court of Appeal shall be made by the President after consulting the views of
the Chief Justice. |
