Karu J slams 20A, sugar scam and Elections Commission

In remarks made at a media briefing held in Colombo last week, Mr. Karu Jayasuriya, Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) said that intelligent people of the country did not approve of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution rejected by 80% of the people according to the report of a survey. The president, who himself had said that he did not receive the blessings of the Sangha for this legislation, should therefore reconsider this.

The former speaker said that the new constitution, promised within the first year of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa presidency, must ensure that the new constitution would strengthen democracy, protect the freedom of the people and the country’s sovereignty removing dictatorial powers created by 20A.

Jayasuriya also made reference to the so-called sugar scam saying the government owed the people an explanation for this “daylight robbery.” The whole business was a disgrace to the president as it has been reported that he approved the deal.

People involved in this racket held various positions in the government. If a proper investigation is conducted, several heads will roll. Some of them may even be allies of the powerful. Bringing disrepute to the Head of State is a great misfortune for the country.

He also said that the independence of the Elections Commission must be ensured to enable free and fair elections. This must precede the provincial council elections or any election. Free and fair elections cannot be expected from the present Elections Commission comprising persons who had connections with the political machinery of government whose allegiance would be to their political masters and not the people.

Jayasuriya was sharply critical of the Political Victimization Commission saying its report should be trashed. No matter how weak the government was, it should not make itself a butt of ridicule of the people. He also focused on the destruction of the environment and the human – elephant conflict.

(Excerpts of NMSJ statement on Jayasuriya’s remarks on Page 3)