SLPP questions eligibility of PSC members, except for SF

By Lahiru Pothmulla   

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramanua (SLPP) yesterday questioned the eligibility of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) representatives appointed to look into the Easter Sunday attacks, except for Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, to inquire into the internal affairs of the intelligence service.  

Addressing a news briefing at the SLPP head office, MP Shehan Semasinghe said it was a surprise that not all members had attended the first hearing of the PSC which is looking into a serious issue.   

“First of all, the chairman of the PSC and several other MPs were not present at the hearing. We are not sure whether this was appointed to look into the attacks or to clear Minister Rishad Bathiudeen of any charges. It is clear the attack was a result of not heeding to intelligence reports. Therefore, we have to rethink whether the PSC members, except for Sarath Fonseka, were eligible to question the intelligence service. We have to think whether this is an attempt to steer the country towards a tragedy similar to the Millennium City tragedy. Questioning of intelligence services should be done in a careful manner. People are not trying to figure out who is more powerful through this PSC,” he said.   

He said it seemed that both the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and Minister Rajitha Senaratne bear one opinion on matters. “This is suspicious,” he said.   

The MP accused the government of not giving prominence to national security after citing reports that the National Security Council had not met since February this year.