Attorney-at-Law Tishya Weragoda says that the provisions of the Constitution against brutal torture will imply same manner including terrorist and criminals. He pointed out that both the terrorist and the criminal have the provisions recognized by the constitution but that is not implying today. He says that the government is taking steps to correct the crimes committed by the army today.
He says the president is calling to the army to assist the police or in a situation of war even under emergency regulations, and they could not stay outside unless properly summoned, and that they should only stay in military camps.
However, he points out that unfortunately such a situation does not exist in the country, during that time even the development projects in Colombo were carried out by the military forces and they are violating the legal framework. He said that in the past, the military police were used to control traffic on the roads, but the army did not have the necessary powers to do so. He said there were issues of law enforcement and accountability in the army’s civil service.
Attorney-at-Law Tishya Weragoda says that the Army has the mentality that we can do anything and that there is no one today to question their actions. He points out that the country exists according to its law and if the rule of law in that country is violated, the people will be worried about the policy of the country. He emphasized that the rule of law is a part of democracy.
He was speaking at a discussion organized by the Young Journalists Association. This was moderated by Attorney-at-Law Jagath Liyanarachchi.
-Shani-