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Ex-BBS CEO launches ‘One Country, One Law’ Commission

17 Nov 2021

BY Pamodi Waravita A public commission under the concept of “One Country, One Nation, One Law” was launched by a group of civil society members yesterday (17) with the initiative being led by former Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dilantha Withanage and incumbent National Movement for the Protection of Consumer Rights Chairman Ranjith Vithanage. “The law is implemented differently in Sri Lanka for different people, based on caste, race, and class. Laws are implemented depending on the language you speak, how you dress, and what vehicle you drive. We want to challenge this and implement a civilian-led public commission where the public can submit their complaints to this commission which will then offer support – both legal and otherwise – in order to ensure that justice is served,” said Dilantha Withanage, who is a lecturer by profession, at a press conference held yesterday. He added that the need for this arose when members of the public approached them with incidents of injustice. “We are all responsible for this corrupt culture,” he observed. Meanwhile, Ranjith Vithanage said that the commission will include representatives from all sectors and will reach the grassroots level through representatives from each grama niladhari division. Recently, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed a Task Force to formulate a conceptual framework for the concept of “One Country, One Law” chaired by BBS General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, who has been accused of inciting hate and violence towards the Muslim community. The Task Force garnered criticism from various quarters, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL). The concept of “One Country, One Law” has also received criticism with several prominent figures who speculated on how this would unfairly affect minority communities. Dilantha Withanage, in a recent media interview, has stated that although he has not left the BBS, he is not actively involved in its operations anymore.


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