United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara yesterday said that since the Courts are on vacation, the presentation of the Anti-Terrorism Bill was postponed to provide an opportunity to raise objections to the Act.
He said that the Bill has not been withdrawn. He said so while speaking at a press conference held at the Sirikotha party headquarters yesterday (10).Range Bandara said that it is said that the Anti-Terrorism Act has been withdrawn. “The Government has allowed anyone to go to Court in this regard.
The presentation of the Bill has been delayed due to the limited functioning of the judiciary during the vacation period,” he said. Range Bandara said that some people are spreading lies that the Bill has been withdrawn due to objections from some quarters.
“There is no such thing. If the Anti-Terrorism Bill is not good, then they should propose an alternative. The opportunity has been given so that democracy could be reflected and it is also possible to present different opinions in parliament,” he said.
He said that the Prevention of Terrorism Act is in force. “A person can be arrested and detained under this Act. And the Emergency law is prevalent too. “The President can sign detention orders. Property can be confiscated. Such broad powers are currently in place. This Bill was brought democratically, moving beyond that,” he added.
For example, Wasantha Mudalige was arrested and detained after the President signed the order. In the Anti-Terrorism Act, attempts have been made to make it less severe.
Human Rights organizations called for the removal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.Under this, a Deputy Inspector General of Police and a Magistrate can act very independently.The Court and the Police have been given the power to release. Also, it is easy for someone to approach and deal with a DIG, rather than dealing with the President.
That is far more progressive.
Ranil Wickremesinghe was the Prime Minister on five occasions before becoming the President. During each of those occasions, he provided financial stability to the people. Last May, President Ranil Wickremesinghe took over the country at a time when its economy was collapsing, the country was bankrupt, and there were queues for oil and gas, the country was confused, people were disunited and restless. However, in a very short period, the country has been re-stabilized and it has become possible to celebrate the Sinhala Hindu New Year in a country that is in a better condition.
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