23 September 2019 10:34 pm
While stating that the controversial tele-conversation of Solicitor General Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe was only part of a bigger picture, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday called for her immediate removal pending an investigation.
SLPP Chairman Professor G.L. Peiris said the Solicitor General was not the entirety of the problem, but only a small part.
“The telephone conversation shows the country’s legal system – which the Attorney General’s Department and others use to file cases – has been infiltrated by the most corrupt people. This didn’t start with Dilrukshi and will not end with her as well. She admitted to political influence of high-ups. She should reveal who they are. The most corrupt people operate and use the legal system today,” he told a news briefing held at the party head office.
Commenting on what Ms. Wickramasinghe said in the telephone conversation, Professor Peiris said she indicated she was even above parliament.
“She said she knows both how to make the law and break the law. In our country, it is only parliament that has the authority to implement laws. Her comments show she is superior topParliament. A Solicitor-General has to perform a wide range of serious duties including overseeing cases involving extraditions. When a person of her ilk holds the post of Solicitor-General, how can we place our trust in these duties? How can one ensure an accused like Arjuna Mahendran will be extradited? This is why she should be removed forthwith,” he said.
Prof. Peiris said a government of theirs would ensure legal action against all corrupt individuals and officials including Ms. Wickramasinghe.
“The Avant-Garde case filed by the Bribery Commission in which Ms. Wickramasinghe served as Director-General shows the vindictive nature of the government. The Court of Appeal discharged Gotabaya Rajapaksa and other suspects from the Avant-Garde case. These were attempts targeted at Mr. Rajapaksa by individuals who cannot challenge him on a political platform,” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)