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President concerned over media allegations

"False and unlawful allegations" have been made against the President during the last few weeks "by some private media", the Secretary to the President, Mr. K. Balapatabendi, says in a statement to the news media issued on Thursday. In his statement, the Secretary also says:

"My attention has been drawn to some recent developments that concern the security of Her Excellency the President. I have been directed by Her Excellency to explain our citizenry these developments as Secretary to the President.

"Everyone who knows our Constitution, is aware it is the supreme law of the land, and also the powers, responsibilities and functions vested in the President under the constitution. Article 4 of the Constitution defines the sovereignty of the people.

Accordingly, it is the responsibility of the President elected by the people, to safeguard the executive power vested in her by the people to defend the country.

"When the previous Government was defeated in the Parliamentary Elections held in December last year, Her Excellency the President took prompt action to appoint Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister. All Members of Parliament recommended by the Hon. Prime Minister were appointed as Ministers in charge of the portfolios proposed.

"I wish to draw the attention of the people to the false and unlawful allegations made against the President during the last few weeks by some private media. From the date Her Excellency Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga assumed office in 1994, all steps were taken by the government, armed forces and the police to protect her from terrorist threats.

On December 18 before the 1999 Presidential election, terrorists attempted to assassinate Her Excellency. Although she was seriously injured in the bomb attack, investigations revealed that her life was saved, thanks to the efficiency of the Presidential Security Division.

"We are all aware that the security of the President depends primarily on the Presidential Security Division. It is their responsibility to ensure her safety not only within the President's House but also when she travels out an official or private visits.

"Given this situation if there is some undue threat to the Presidential Security Division in whatever form or whichever quarter, a doubt arises as to whether this a ploy to demoralise the personnel of the Presidential Security Division?

"It is clear from the various complaints made in last few weeks, that the public is very concerned. It appears that an organised campaign is in the offing, sometimes to brand the President as a murderer and to brand the PSD as a gang of murderers bringing various false allegations against them. Under these circumstances if I continue to be silent, I would be neglecting my responsibility.

It has become very important in my official capacity to point out a few recent incidents of threat and danger to the President's security.

"On various occasions some media and individuals attempted to implicate the Presidential Security Division in every act of terror supposed to have taken place in this country. Some incidents have already come before the judiciary, and I do not wish to speak about them. However, I do feel it is necessary to point out a few matters.

"Police investigations into some cases have already been finalised, and some others are continuing. According to the reports received by her, the President is satisfied that the PSD had not been involved in any wrongdoing or irregular activities. The Rohana Kumara assassination case, Kumar Ponnambalam assassination case, Baddagana Sanjeewa assassination case, the alleged incident at Haguranketha and Udathalawinna are some of them.

Hon. Prime Minister's attention has been drawn to how these campaigns are likely to discredit the constitutional and supreme powers of the head of state. Her Excellency has also explained to the Hon. Prime Minister the grave threat levelled against democracy and human rights of this country by physical harassment to members of the democratic oppostion and the destruction of their property.

"I wish to quote one more example, that is the Athurugiriya incident. As a member of the National Defence Committee, I see it as a very unpleasant episode."Immediately after the Athurugiriya incident some sections of the media pointed a finger at the PSD in bold print in their front pages. They alleged that this special unit was one planning to indulge in a heinous conspiracy. I am concerned as to why some individuals indulge in campaigns such as these, and their sinister motives".

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