Government’s impeachment process paves the way for imperialists – Ven. Dhambara Amila Thera

TUESDAY, 15 JANUARY 2013

In the past too the arbitrary conduct of the ruler paved the way for imperialists to plunder our country and what is happening today is a repetition of this historical fact says the co-convener of Anti-imperialist People’s Movement Ven. Dhambara Amila Thera. He said the impeachment process would be held in the future as an act of traitors.

Speaking at a press conference held in Colombo today (15th) Ven. Amila Thera said, “A dialogue was created in the country regarding an impeachment process to remove the Chief Justice.  As the Anti-imperialist People’s Movement we believe we should apprise the masses in this country regarding the impeachment process and certain matters that have developed as a result of this process.

Imperialism has been active to plunder resources from countries like ours and exploit our labour. This has affected our country as well. It is under such an environment that Anti-imperialist People’s Movement has been formed. Imperialism not only creates its own situations to interfere in countries but makes use of the situations that happen in these countries to carry out their agendas. The impeachment process is not a situation created by imperialists but an instance that gives them access to interfere in the country. In 1815 too such a situation was created in our country that gave imperialism an opportunity to interfere.

King Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe’s conduct was against Asian culture. Those who were around him stimulated him according to the needs of the imperialists. Liquor and women were used for this. He had only his relatives in higher positions of administration. It was a family rule. Masses were burdened with high taxes.

He never supported the people’s sources of income. He discarded the Mahanayakas, Bhikkus, intellectuals and scholars who were with him earlier. He did not accept their advice and instructions. As a result the masses and intellectuals withdrew from him. They thought the king should be chased away. This mentality is very dangerous. It is what imperialists wanted.

All sectors of the society pointed out to the government that the intention of the impeachment process was undemocratic. However, the government continued with the process arbitrarily and created a crisis. The government and those connected with the government attacked courts; threatened magistrates; assaulted journalists and some were made to disappear. Media institutions were attacked, torched and finally the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was removed arbitrarily.

There is no sector of the society the government has not antagonized. As such, the government has moved towards a dictatorship that has taken over all sectors. The mood that is developing in the country as a result of this situation is harmful. One may think why he or she should obey the law if the government discards orders from the Supreme Court. There is a more dangerous situation. It would be the mentality of the people that would welcome a foreign intervention as they are unable to take any step against the despotic regime. A parallel existed during King Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe’s time. While he was being taken to the ship to be deported King Rajasinghe said he did not listen to anybody, all around him were those who approved everything he did. There was a mood in the country that the despotic king should be punished by the British. This was used by the British to capture the Kandyan kingdom. The whole country came under the British rule. The country was under domination from 1815 to 1948. The arbitrary conduct of the ruler paved the way for imperialists to invade the country. What exists in the country is a similar environment.

There was a view that the judiciary and the media could correct rulers. However, with the breaking down of the independence of the judiciary by the government this view has been shattered within the country as well as internationally. Sections including the Secretary General of the Commonwealth have stated they are concerned regarding the situation developing here. The USA, Canada and many other countries too are concerned. Imperialists say the move of the government is undemocratic and anti-humanitarian. When imperialists make use of this situation to interfere in the country there wouldn’t be citizens who would oppose imperialists. For, the government is dragging the citizens to think that a foreign intervention would teach the despotic rulers a good lesson.

Our judiciary took action regarding illegal acts that occurred during the war. We had a process of investigations. However, now we have shown the world that we do not have an independent judiciary. The government has given an opportunity to Darusman to say the government has violated international conventions on independence of the judiciary. They could say the judiciary in Sri Lanka is corrupt and has lost its virginity.  As a final result an international investigation regarding the last days of the war could be ordered.

After the end of the war the government appointed a Parliamentary Select Committee to solve the relevant issues. The government complained to the international community regarding the non-participation of TNA in the committee. However, the government arbitrarily implemented the PSC appointed regarding impeachment process against the CJ. Hereafter, no one would attend government’s select committees. The world would not trust their independence, accountability and productivity.  The situation created by the government is an invitation for foreign imperialist forces. This would be recorded in history as an invitation for foreign intervention by a government that ruled a country.

A large number of issues arise regarding the chief justice that would be appointed hereafter. Would he be accepted or not? When a person connected with the government is noticed by the judiciary he could refrain from attending as there is a precedent created by the government. The appointment of the new chief justice is not a happy event. Also, it is not an act of patriotic rulers.  This would be recorded as an act of traitors.  There may be immense dialogues regarding this. The people are frustrated with the government as well as the main opposition. People consider that both groups have similar interests. We are prepared to apprise the people of the real danger in the steps the government is taking and launch a genuine anti-imperialist operation.”

The co-convener of Anti-imperialist People’s Movement K.D. Lal Kanthe, the Executive Members Devaka Punchihewa and V.I Abdeen were present.