UNHRC must get SL rulers to work according to International norms: Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith
Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has hit out at the incumbent government for what he called the “abusive” use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and arresting the social leaders and those who are engaged in peaceful resistance to such policies.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Archbishop of Colombo said the cruel and intolerable suppression exercised or being exercised by the government against the leaders of protests and activists for human rights in the country who speak out against rampant bribery and corruption and who organize peaceful protests or protest marches is adding to the severe financial crisis faced by people.
Expressing his surprise over the alleged attempts to hide evidence and save those who are responsible for the Easter Sunday attack, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith stated he hopes that UNHRC takes notice of the situation and get Sri Lankan rulers to work according to international norms.
“We hope that in the light of what our leaders are doing to those who are struggling to achieve a true sense of democracy and justice to the Easter Sunday victims even at the risk of being persecuted, the United Nations Human Rights Commission takes due notice if this and takes steps to get those responsible to follow internationally accepted norms and procedures in order to ensure a true sense of freedom and justice in this country,” Cardinal Ranjith said in a special statement read by Father Cyril Gamini Fernando at a press briefing at the Archbishop’s House.
“We wish to express our surprise at the lackadaisical manner in which people arrested and detained under various allegations with reference to the Easter Sunday attack are being recommended for release by the Attorney General’s Department without any seriousness, making the whole exercise appear to be a drama enacted to mislead people,” said Cardinal Ranjith.
Also said that, “We wish to remind our leaders that the lives of 272 innocent people were lost and more than 500 persons were injured with some being maimed for life. This is not a simple matter. Their blood cries to the heavens for justice.”
“It is surprising that Attorney General’s Department, without carrying out recommendations made by the Presidential Commission, appears to be carrying out the terms of the agenda proposed to it by political forces ruling the country. We condemn this biasness of that department,” the cardinal said.
“Indeed the government continues to suppress with arrogance the freedom of speech, expression, and holding of such peaceful protests, a right guaranteed by the constitution. We wish to condemn the government for this abusive use, in an unjustified manner of Prevention of Terrorism Act and alienating social leaders and those engaged in peaceful resistance to such policies. We cannot accept the arrest of the Convener of the Inter-University Students’ Federation Wasantha Mudalige and Convener of Inter-University Bhikkhu Students’ Federation Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thera,” he added.
