Two thirds majority needed to rid country of extremism: GL

• PCoI is working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the Easter Sunday attacks

By Lahiru Pothmulla  

Two thirds majority is needed to draft laws to rid the country of extremism and to strengthen the defence apparatus, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Leader Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday.  

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) is working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the Easter Sunday attacks..   

“Once the PCoI completes investigations and releases a report, action needed to be taken accordingly. We must find both the local and foreign origins of attacks,” Prof. Peiris said speaking at the SLPP weekly news briefing.  
As a measure to prevent financing for terrorist activities, he said a proper and firm mechanism was needed to regulate foreign funds flowing into the country.   

“Large amounts of money are flowing into the country but the sources are not known. There is no accountability. The External Resource Department at the Finance Ministry should monitor and regulate these funds,” he said.   
Prof. Peiris said two thirds majority also needed at the next parliament to strengthen foreign relations and especially to look into the well-being of the armed forces due to the allegations levelled against them at international fora. “A two thirds majority needed to remedy this situation,” he said.   
Meanwhile, he said the opposition parties, after realising that the SLPP was heading for victory, say that their purpose now is to prevent the SLPP from getting a two thirds majority.   

He said it is foreseeable that a future parliament will consist of a weak opposition. “We will be needing to enhance self-criticism and some of the duties of the opposition could devolve into the government,” he said.