I spoke according to my conscience: President

25 October 2016 11:35 am - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Maithripala Sirisena, in an exclusive interview with Lankadeepa, said the speech he made at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) with regard to the FCID action on heads of forces was drawn from his conscience.

“The objective of establishing the FCID is not to mingle in matters of various companies or individuals and to interrogate them. There are several divisions in the police department to handle such matters. There is deviation from the duties assigned to FCID. They should understand their duties and responsibilities. They should focus on large scale financial frauds.

Last year information was uncovered about large deposits amounting to $ 500 millions by several Sri Lankans in a Bank of a gulf country. An investigation was launched for which they required a letter signed by me and I gave it. These officers had made several visits to the relevant country for investigations and legal action was to be taken promptly. But so far nothing has happened. Why do they delay such big frauds?

What we hear is about cases over stealing flag posts, the transfer of vehicles and distribution of relief items.

Their scope of duties is wide and people and the government expected them to do engage in their duties meaningfully without engaging in trivial pursuit of insignificant incidents. My speech at the SLFI was drawn from my conscience. When the Heads of the Forces are taken into custody, I must be aware of it as the Minister of Defence.

That is what I meant by the balance of the different institutes. Will those investigators take responsibility if these actions caused unrest? It is my responsibility to protect the forces and the honour of the war heroes. The investigations into the fraud and corruption should be done according to the proper procedure. They have full independence, but as the as the Minister of Defence, I should be informed.

“When things happen without my knowledge, unnecessary issues crop up in the country and tension mounts up. No person can challenge the authority of law. When we are called upon to act according to the law, how can we secure the institutions that are established to protect the law? As the President, I have a big responsibility. But some look at it with a different perspective,” the President said.

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Comments - 12

SHANTHAPRIYA Tuesday, 25 October 2016 01:31 PM

IN OTHER WORDS FCID MUST GIVE PRIORITY TO CATCH "THORA" AND "MORA"

TJ Tuesday, 25 October 2016 01:34 PM

Yes sir, you have to speak out in similar fashion, when the actions of FCID don't serve your political agenda.

joe Tuesday, 25 October 2016 01:38 PM

well said mr. president,

D.E.M.O Krazy Tuesday, 25 October 2016 01:41 PM

Mr. President, you should not make such comments! A Crime is a Crime in the eyes of Justice!If you go around trying to quantify the severity of the crime...then a lot of the crooks, you mentioned would be brought to book, prior to being elected as the President to bring about a YAHAPALANAYA, in the 'almost failed' nation' would go unpunished!Keep away from the wheels of Justice, let it take its course, in time!

rasheed Tuesday, 25 October 2016 01:43 PM

Yes Sir, your speech was perfect, but you trying to safeguard former Sec to the defence is not acceptable.

janith Tuesday, 25 October 2016 01:55 PM

everyone has a right for freedom of speech. but the issue is when you are a president of a country and start speaking your conscience in front of a live audience, could make it a statement and could bring you a lot of attention. so just like you are speaking on your conscience, you should be able to accept the repercussions as well. Freedom of speech does not protect you from the consequences of saying stupid shi@ - Jim C. Hines

Kautilya Tuesday, 25 October 2016 01:56 PM

The so called conscience is no harm to "Gota"

Praba Tuesday, 25 October 2016 03:14 PM

Sir. They were doing something never happened in this country. Investigating corrupt charges brought against politicians. Your speech as president did not help that endeavour.

Kaboos Tuesday, 25 October 2016 03:29 PM

The voters are deceived

Abey Tuesday, 25 October 2016 03:37 PM

You had a different conscience when you were canvassing for our Votes. You said that if you lost you d be 6 ft under ground- Who would be the person you were thinking of when you said this? This is the biggest betrayal by a Sri Lankan Politician. Thank god Ven Sobitha is dead or else he would have died of disgust

Abey Tuesday, 25 October 2016 03:41 PM

Those commanders were there not their actions during the war. They were there for their greed after they retired. So how could that be protecting the armed forces. Dont try to take us for fools, .... well we had already been fooled.

hiran Tuesday, 25 October 2016 03:42 PM

I want to give myself 100 lashes from the madu walige for voting at the last election. Rajapakses and Sirisenas are all the same via DM Android App

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I spoke according to my conscience: President

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