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| Sunday, 27 April 2003 |
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Politicos and the Police : Leaders call for tough action by Don Asoka Wijewardena Recent incidents in Seeduwa, Khahawattha and Nuwara Eliya, where three UNP MPs are alleged to have threatened police officers and obstructed them from carrying out their duties,have raised the disturbing spectre of "political interference",once again preventing the proper enforcement of law and order. The three untoward incidents are being investigated and the UNP high command has assured that the culprits will be punished in accordance with disciplinary procedures maintained by the party. But the bigger question that arises isn't so much about punishment,but political behaviour or rather misbehaviour. What makes some politicians disregard the country's law and what has happened to discipline? We put the questions to a cross section of senior politicians and high-ranking public officials, and this is what they had to say...... Secretary General of Parliament - Mrs. Priyani Wijesekera The morality of some present-day politicians has really degenerated and as a result there has been a sharp decline in political integrity. Although there is no strict code of ethics for MPs to adhere those who abuse power, irrespective of the power vested in them, must be penalised in accordance with the Law. In my opinion, every MP must respect the Law and constant monitoring of the activities of the MPs by party leaders can help prevent lawlessness to a great extent. When police submit to pressure,the system will break down in pivotal areas of administration, especially in the sphere of Law and Order. Chairman Police Commission, Ranjith Abyesooriya I deplore the recent incidents of abuse of power by some politicians and appropriate action must be taken against culprits irrespective of political affiliations. I was shocked to hear that in one incident physical violence was resorted to against the police. Swift action has to be taken against the culprits after inquiries. I also wish to say that all politicians must be instructed by party leaders about the importance of proper behaviour, maintaining of a positive image of the respective political party and the dos and dont's. At the same time those who abuse power by behaving irresponsibly must be given severe warning. All politicians must endeavour to respect the Law and encourage others to respect it while setting examples. I hope justice will be meted out soon. General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP), Senerat Kapukotuwa The UNP Disciplinary Committee has already commenced disciplinary procedures on the three incidents that occurred in Seeduwa, Kahawattha and Nuwara Eliya. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has reiterated that he would like to see the creation of a "new political culture" in the country soon. The reports of the three incidents we have received for investigation are really contradictory and lack precise information relevant to the incidents So far the UNP Disciplinary Committee has not finalised any disciplinary action against any MPs because we feel that some of our political conspirators seemed to be behind all these three cases. The UNP assures that it has no sympathy over its members who deliberately tarnish the image of the party. The Disciplinary Committee headed by Power and Energy Minister Karu Jayasuriya, UNP President Malick Samarawickrema and myself will look into any breach of party discipline and will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against wrong-doers. New Left-Front Leader - Dr. Wickremabahu Karunaratne I think proportional representation (PR) has caused an enormous damage to Sri Lanka's politics. Under the PR system the contestants' names, the qualities and their political maturity are not known to people whatsoever. In this system, an able aspiring politician is defeated by an incompetent businessman or a notorious thug. So when these types of people enter politics they try to ride rough shod over the Law of the country. All the party leaders should be responsible for punishing irresponsible members convicted by the court of law and should denounce the abuse of power. It is a well-known fact that some people enter politics on the pretext of serving people and try to take revenge from their political rivals. This practice has been going on for the last decades of more in Sri Lanka and it is the responsibility of the party's disciplinary committee to hold impartial inquiries and punish the culprits to maintain discipline and a code of ethics within the party. I must say that some are not politically educated and dedicated as their predecessors. LSSP Leader - Batty Weerakoon All politicians must accept that nobody is above the Law. It is the responsibility of the party leader to select persons of integrity to represent respective electorates. But what has happened is that some politicians who have only a smattering of politics have entered the field of politics, becoming a law unto themselves, taking revenge from political rivals, tarnishing the image of the party and ignoring considerable independence given by the 17th amendment to the police. In any party there are blacksheep and many a politician in modern politics does not have political discipline and the characteristics required by good politicians. Communist Party Leader, Dew Gunasekera I am really disgusted over the recent incidents created by some politicians. I am certain that most people are aware of their limitations. In fairness to all, I must say that politicians are legislators because they work in the country's supreme legislature. In the past, these types of incidents were not heard of,but at present uncultured and irresponsible politicians have started to cause an irreparable damage to the country's politics. Party leaders should select candidates who have proved to be capable of serving the country as competent politicians. In my opinion if this is not done, serious damage to the state machinery is imminent.These types of incidents reflect disorganised party management in selecting candidates. I wish to say that impartial inquiries should be held and due punishment should be meted out to the culprits. Leader of the Opposition - Mahinda Rajapakse I think the Law must be equal to everyone. What I feel is irresponsible politicians are protected by their party leaders. Most of the people change their policies and attitudes once they get power. That is what is happening in the country. It is unbecoming of any politician to rescue his friends or relatives in police custody for an offence and it is up to the Court of Law to release or punish the person. I specifically say that all politicians have entered politics to serve the people because they are elected by the people. |
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