Friday, March 20, 2015It was reported that the CID is conducting investigations into how former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya gave government owned weapons to a private company, a violation of laws. It was further reported that he issued all instructions to Avant Garde for handing over of weapons, and that private company was enjoying the sole monopoly of renting state owned weapons to private overseas parties. Millions of dollars have been earned by this company. There is a belief that they had provided money and a fleet of vehicles for former President Rajapaksa's presidential election campaign.
The owner of the Avant Garde Company Yapa Nissanka Senadhipathi who retired from the Army is known to be a close friend of Gotabhaya and has been spending billions of rupees for different tasks given by him. CID has questioned Major General (retd) Kapila Hendawitharana, former Chief of National Intelligence, over the scandal they are probing. It was earlier reported that the NEC had decided to arrest former Defence Secretary quoting Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne. While these reports were discussed in the NEC, there arose a serious debate on the issue of the powers and privileges of the NEC. One NEC member declared:
"After all, the NEC has no legal authority to take such a decision to arrest anyone," he said. It is true that NEC a political council representing the political leadership of the mass participation during the recent elections.
It is still a representative body of the masses who wish a radical change of power in the Lankan society. Throughout the history, world over, such transitional councils emerged to direct the task of the political change expected by the mass uprising. Obviously such political committees do not have recognition in the state that is under re-organization.
All agreements or decisions of the radical council will have to go through the state apparatus, for implementation. Generally this is done by the individuals who have a hold in the executive power. That is exactly how the NEC worked so far during the last few months. Agreements and suggestions that were made in the council were transferred to the relevant sectors of the state and what happened or not, were reported back.
Presidential elections
Clearly in this issue there was a suggestion to arrest those who were responsible for the Avant guard debacle, including the past Defence Secretary, and to do an intense investigation. Whatever the media publicity given to the event, the truth remains the same.
With media freedom available today, we can expect all kinds of interpretations and adverse reporting. One such reporting said 'The government has called for an investigation into an alleged attempt by former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to create instability in the country over the next three months. Cabinet Spokesperson and Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said that documents related to the alleged attempt were handed over to the National Executive Council.' "Gotabhaya Rajapaksa still has hopes to topple this government. Therefore I informed the National Executive Council to look into this matter as soon as possible," the Minister said. Senaratne further alleged that more than 400 military officials were also being trained at an army base in the North under directions from an Army Brigadier, who is an ally of the former Defence Secretary, in an attempt to create a fresh crisis situation in the north, and take advantage of it. "We will not allow this to happen especially when this government is dedicated to take this nation forward and implement its 100 day policy," the Minister said.
I believe that Hon Minister has every right to make such a statement. One can debate about the political repercussions and the effect of such a statement on politically active masses. But we cannot overrule the right of expression of a political leader and certainly, he can be challenged by those who want to condemn what was said.
We know that soon after its victory at the January 8 Presidential Elections the government lodged a complaint at the Criminal Investigations Department, alleging that the previous government had attempted to stage a coup. Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera who lodged the complaint stated that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his brother and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, former Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris and former government member Udaya Gammanpila had tried to attempt a coup and impose a state of emergency and continue in office by unlawful and illegal means with the help of the military.
JVP leaders
In addition, recently president Maithree revealed that he had to hide with his family on that day. He got information that his family would be killed if he got defeated in the presidential elections. Thirdly the Galle Magistrate has impounded the passport of former Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa over CID investigations into the controversial floating armoury.
The action was taken after the Attorney General's Department consulted Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe with a recommendation that Gotabhaya be taken into custody together with three others for alleged violation of the Firearms Ordinance and other laws. It is over the floating armoury owned jointly by Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited, a fully government owned company and Avant Garde Maritime Services Limited, a privately owned company.
It was reported later, "Prime Minister Wickremesinghe has said that the former Defence Secretary should not be taken into custody. He has stated that an arrest would lead to problems for his government and directed that all other legal steps should be taken." So every thing is clear. PM has acted on the basis of discussions started in the NEC and gone through the process within the state structure and has come to a conclusion. Clearly the work is going on inspite of public debate on inaction of the government to proceed on the information received by the leadership.
The role of various individuals in obtaining the support of important persons in the government to accused elements has become a huge controversy. JVP leaders have started a campaign against this corruption.
They told in several public meetings that some UNPers were trying to black out investigations. Of course UNP has denied this and goes on to give interviews to media to prove their innocence.
