Referring to the security situation and operations during the post-Easter Sunday attacks, he said that emergency rule has been extended for another month to facilitate continuation of investigations against arrested suspects and to continue deployment of security forces for security operations to ensure safety of the citizens. He pointed out that many embassies also sought military security. Furthermore, until the formulation of new regulations for law enforcement, it is necessary to continue with emergency laws.
“We had to declare an Emergency situation to suppress terrorists and ensure a peaceful environment in the country. What have been enacted by gazette are clauses pertaining to suppressing terrorism only,’ he said.
Replying to a question, he said that the campaigns to boycott Muslim shops would not succeed and recalled that similar campaign to shun Indian products in the past had failed. “It is very important that peace and harmony among Sinhala, Muslim and Tamil communities prevail. It is important for us to foster trust among us.”
President Sirisena said the current instability in the government was due to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution and reiterated that both 18th Amendment and the 19th Amendment must be abolished, if possible before the elections or at least after the elections to ensure a smooth rule under one leader. He pointed out that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also said that there should not be two drivers for a vehicle of government.
He said he supported the 19A in 2015, because of the imperative need to restore democratic freedoms, establishment of independent commissions, individual freedoms and media freedom. He charged that the 19 A drafted by certain persons with the support from NGOs have created instability in the country.
Replying to a question, he said that he has not received any notice to appear before the Parliamentary select Committee (PSC) and said however, he would not appear before the PSC. He charged that the PSC was a political drama enacted by certain persons.
