CSM: Condemn and urge to withdraw the proposed bill

The Christian Solidarity Movement (CSM) call the government to withdraw the proposed Bill. Urging this immediate request in a letter to the President.

“We the members of the CSM, call upon democracy-loving citizens in the country to come forward to defend the inherent rights of our people and to demand your Excellency’s government to withdraw the proposed Bill of the “Bureau of Rehabilitation”.

The CSM says that they were surprised to read the Bill titled “Bureau of Rehabilitation” gazette on the 29th of Sept 2022 and presented to the Cabinet by Mr. Wijedasa Rajapaksha the Minister of Justice on the 23rd of Sept which has subsequently received its approval and is due to be discussed in the parliament.

“The purpose as stated in the Bill is the rehabilitation of drug-dependent persons, ex-combatants, members of violent extremist groups, and any other person or persons who require treatment and rehabilitation.” The letter mentions

Due to some observed reasons in the proposed Bill, the CSM says that this Bill is a “frightening and horrible” piece of law.

–          We find it to be undemocratic and inconsistent with the constitution of Sri Lanka and it violates the fundamental rights and the sovereignty of the people.

–           In, our judgment it is an arbitrary mechanism that authorizes any government officer to decide on the fate of a political activist.

–          It provides the government with a sinister mechanism to suppress the protesters and political activists and to control every dissent. If the bill is made a law, those taken to rehabilitation centers can be even subjected to torture… mentioned as observed reasons.

Also, the statement of the Christian Solidarity Movement CSM which has been signed by 15 members, said this was a “swift move by the government towards a dictatorial and militarized regime.”

And the CSM appeals to all democracy-loving citizens of the country to come forward to” protect the inherent rights” of the people by forcing the government to withdraw the proposed bill.