A letter to the Police from the 'Citizens of the People’s Struggle' organisation, alleging a Fundamental Rights (FR) violation by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a recent statement in Jaffna, is currently under review by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). In the letter, the group has requested from the police the assurance of security and safety for the Buddhists residing in the North.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler confirmed the Police had directed the said letter to the CID and the matter is under investigation. He stated that no critical immediate action has been taken by the Police thus far, as they are awaiting the CID's report.
"All the Police stations and the officers on duty are being directed on a daily basis so that law and order are addressed. In the wake of the current drug crackdown issue, the Police have already been providing and strengthening public security. No special enforcement regarding this matter has taken place yet," Wootler added.
The complaint stems from remarks made by President Dissanayake during an address in Jaffna last week, where he referenced an undercurrent of tensions between ethnicities. He stated, “I am aware that tensions and provocations arise in various places. Some individuals travel to Jaffna during Poya days, passing the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, not to observe the precepts but to spread hatred.” Citing this statement, the Citizens of the People’s Struggle sent a letter to the Police on Tuesday (20), arguing the President’s words “violate the FR of the people or have almost violated them.” The group is urging the authorities to confirm the security of Buddhist devotees and Buddhist places in the North.
When contacted by The Daily Morning for a legal perspective on whether a FR violation has occurred, the Secretary of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), Chathura Galhena stated that such a determination falls under the purview of the Supreme Court and that the BASL cannot comment on the matter at the moment.