We won’t join Govt. but shall join National Executive Council

MONDAY, 12 JANUARY 2015

A press conference was held by the JVP at its head office at Pelawatta today (12th) participated by the Leader of the JVP Anura Dissanayaka, General Secretary Tilvin Silva, Information Secretary Vijitha Herath and the Member of the Political Bureau K.D. Lal Kantha to clarify the situation in the country and to explain the future programmes of the JVP.

The Leader of the JVP Anura Dissanayaka said, “We put forward two slogans when we entered the presidential election campaign. Chasing out of the despotic Rajapaksa regime has been successful. The JVP carried out a great task in this regard with dedication. We are happy about this victory.

Now the second phase of this agenda should be launched. Establishing good governance, consolidating democratic rights etc are slogans that should be fulfilled after 8th January. We all have to play an important role in achieving this. Our party was openly invited to join a national government. However, we have no intention of joining the government. We do not accept any ministerial portfolios. The Ministry of Agriculture would be able to cultivate only one harvesting season within 100 days. The Department of Education would not be able to complete one school term. The Ministry of Housing would be able to lay only the foundations. Hence, no work that would impress masses could be done during this period. Also, it is very unpleasant to witness attempts made by some to enter a small cabinet of only 100 days. We have a good understanding regarding the 100 day cabinet.

The people expect us to carry out primary affairs such as stabilizing democracy, establishing good governance and implementing programmes to get rid of frauds and corruption. We, as a political movement, have a responsibility to fulfill people’s aspirations.

The people in the country too have a responsibility to take action to achieve victories under the 100 day programme. However, they should not have big expectations. The country asks for a broad socio-economic-political transformation. Such a broad transformation cannot be carried out within 100 days or within the existing system. As such, the JVP, considering all these factors, is rallying forces that are necessary for a broad social transformation and is getting organized for such a task. There is a proposal to establish a ‘National Executive Council’ which would be above the cabinet. The JVP expects to be active in this Executive Council.

The ‘National Executive council’ should take over several definite tasks. It should take over tasks that are difficult to be implemented in ministries and need urgent implementation. This council could carry out constitutional changes such as abolishing the 18th amendment and enforcing the 17th amendment, abolishing executive powers in the presidency and presidential immunity. There could be attention also regarding constitutional amendments and legal reformations that could be carried out through this council. Adopting the Right to Information Act, appointing an audit commission and broadening powers of the Bribery Commission are examples. This institution should be handed over such sensitive tasks that should be fulfilled urgently so that they would have an impact on the masses. Also, providing relief to the masses could be done efficiently by taking over such tasks by this institution. Establishing a formal institute to take urgent action against corruption should be taken over by the National Executive Council. The JVP would actively mediate in fulfilling such progressive tasks within the 100 day programme.

Already, fraudsters are fleeing the country. They should not be allowed to go scot free. They are sending away billions that have been plundered from the people in this country. The JVP would be very alert and would act against such moves. As its first step complaints would be filed in the Bribery Commission tomorrow (13th) against Namal Rajapaksa, Basil Rajapaksa and Ajith Nivard Cabraal. Meanwhile, files are being prepared against many other fraudsters.

It has been revealed that Mahinda Rajapaksa had engaged in a conspiracy to hold on to power despite the election result against him. Taking legal action against this is a compulsory act. Rajapaksas, have started making various communal statements after their defeat to destabilize the country. President Maithripala Sirisena has been elected with the wish of all people including that of the North and the East. We should be happy that people in the North and the East have taken part in the election with dedication and massive sacrifices. We emphasize that the government should consider this optimistically and take measures to solve people’s issues instead of seeking more power. At the last moment Rajapaksa launched a sinister, brutish and tribal attempt to extend his term. It is clear that an attempt is being made to rouse communalism and create clashes. Rajapaksa’s insane attempt should be defeated. Rajapaksa has not learnt any lesson either in victory or in defeat. All approaches for communalism should be defeated.

Considering the situation after the election many atrocities, plunder and grabbing Mahaweli lands arbitrarily are taking place. We condemn such acts carried out as part of political agendas as well as to create chaos. The JVP, as a party, condemns using political power wrongfully. The government should draw its attention specially to post-election violent activities. We have made all members of our party structure to act against such moves.”

Responding to questions raised by journalists Mr. Dissanayaka said, “It is the right of the Bar Association to discuss regarding the removal of the Chief Justice. Impeaching Dr. Shirani Bandaranayaka indicates how Rajapaksa regime completely nullified good governance and interfered in the affairs of the judiciary. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has pointed out that sacking Dr. Bandaranayaka as well as appointing Mohan Peiris are unconstitutional. It is the responsibility of the government to take appropriate measures if the sacking as well as the appointment is unconstitutional.  Punishing perpetrators according to the existing laws is not political revenge. If sacking Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake or removing Mr. Sarath Fonseka from the position of ‘General’ is unconstitutional taking constitutional measures to correct those wrongs cannot be political revenge or awarding special privileges.

Hence, each incident should be studied separately. Then only it would be possible to judge whether one is a political revenge or not.

Former president carried on his presidential duties as a good actor. He also did a good performance when he was defeated. Even the way he is behaving now is undemocratic and felonious. He becomes enraged and vindictive in victory. That’s why Sarath Fonseka was targeted. He becomes enraged and vindictive in defeat as well. This is what is displayed in his attempt to sabotage the 100 day programme. He behaves as an idiot and gives protection to a group of political refugees. It is the responsibility of the new president to stop Rajapaksa’s sinister moves. The President should recognize the behavior and moves of a person enraged in his defeat and should take measures to defeat such moves.

According to information that is being received regarding conspiracies, those who participated in such conspiracies should not be allowed to flee the country. The information is being revealed gradually. Hence, we should accept that action cannot be taken speedily.

The rumours about stoning army camps in the north were rejected by officers who are in responsible positions. The Army media spokesman, the police media spokesman as well as the DIG in the North confirmed that there were no such incidents in the North.

The defeated clique is trying to drag the country towards communalism and attempt to come back to power through such vile moves. These rumours are a threat to national security and those who spread them should be punished.”