Democratic rights cannot be curtailed , says Ranil

(March 30, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Democratic rights of the people cannot be curtailed under the guise of military operations, says Ranil Wickremasinghe, Opposition leader.

Addressing a meeting held in Gorakana, Paradura on Saturday, the Opposition leader said that terrorism had to be completely eradicated and no one should be allowed to engage in terrorism.

“Security measures should be taken. There is no question about that. By doing that, if the country has to experience a long lasting peace, then we say that a political solution acceptable to all should be found.

“We are saying that the people’s democratic rights could not be restricted under the guise of the conflict and operations carried out by the security forces. We are working accordingly. I won’t say how we will do it. That is another issue,” Mr. Wickremasinghe said.

Reiterating his call for the establishment of the Constitutional Council, Mr. Wickremasinghe asked as to why the Constitutional Council was not established to ensure good governance.

“Names have been given. The courts have approved them. Why are they dragging this matter for the last three to four years,” he queried.
-Sri Lanka Guardian
kahagalle said...

What is the democratic right Ranil is talking about? He is the architect of anarchy in Sri Lanka. At least now shut up and accept the successes of Rajapaksa government. While his is talking that terrorism in all forms must be defeated what did he do. He enabled various legislation to flourish the very terrorists. In fact the so called CFA was flawed from the beginning. He was so undemocratic not to bring the details of the CFA before the house for ratification. Then running those torture chambers at Batalanda during his time and violence of Gonawala Sunil, we still remember. The disappearances and political killings of UNP opponents under the guise of JVP insurrection. How about all the journalists who perished during UNP misrule. The Tamils could not be free in their own abode because of Ranil who gave in to terrorist designs without consideration to other Tamils who were law abiding. The lawlessness of Sri Lanka was created by Ranil and his Uncle. They created this LTTE monster and tried to gain their personal glory. Not only he and his uncle enabled this LTTE illusion, he also allowed the international opinion to shift away from legitimate government of Sri lanka in favour of LTTE bandits by his inaction at world forums, and appointing incompetent foreign service where no ambassador had any flair for Sri Lanka.