President warns investigative arms: Don’t work to political agendas | Daily News

President warns investigative arms: Don’t work to political agendas

 

Displeased over former Defence secretary, Navy Commanders being taken to courts

Problems of the Defence Ministry should be brought to his notice in advance 

 

President Maithripala Sirisena said that he had stated clearly at a special meeting with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, that he will be compelled to make certain tough decisions if the CID, FCID and Commission to Inquire Bribery or Corruption are working to political agendas.

The President made this observation at “Sathviru Sanhinda” ceremony organised by the Defence Ministry held at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute yesterday.

Expressing his strong displeasure over the producing of  the former Defence Secretary and three Navy Commanders who served during the time of war before court, the President said:

“There is a purpose and policy for setting up independent commissions in the country. Those who are serving in them should know the area relevant to them.” 

The President noted that certain individuals who have no understanding or capacity to think on how to maintain the state, state security, security forces management and administration make wrong moves, even while being on the fringes.

“As the President, as well as the Defence Minister, I express my strong displeasure and condemnation over taking three former Navy Commanders and producing them before court. If there is a problem about the Defence Ministry and various other agencies, there is an accepted way to investigate them. As the President as well as the Defence Minister, I should have been informed in advance,” he said.

The President stated that the Executive has the power to appoint Director-Generals and Secretaries as per the Constitution. “The people elected me as the President not asking for food, clothes or construction of roads,he said. 

They wanted political reforms, protection of law and order, supremacy of the law, freedom, democracy, human rights and fundamental rights. When I am executing these things, I will not be submissive or under obligation to anybody. As the President I am bound to ensure the national security, to protect the tri-forces, give necessary facilities to them and protect their honour,” he said.

The President said that he would never allow the weakening of the Security Forces: “If the intelligence officials now in remand custody have allegedly committed any offense they should be tried in courts, after getting them released on bail. If not ensure their early release. The suspects have their fundamental rights to secure bail and get their case be heard before the courts of law,” the President stressed.

The President stated that he does not wish these institutions to be politicised.

 

 


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