Movement for a just and righteous society in Sri Lanka

Original post: Ven. Sobitha — a Buddhist puts his finger on Lanka’s ‘civilisational crisis’

Most Venerable Maduluwave Sobitha Thera has set up an organization called “Peoples’ movement towards a just and righteous society” to ‘bring democracy back to Sri Lanka.’ Ven. Sobitha Thera says that in order to sustain democracy in the country it is essential that a peoples’ movement, geared towards the creation of a just and righteous society, is brought to power.

In an interview with LAKBIMAnEWS, the thera said: “If a country is governed according to democratic norms and principles then such governance should be evident to everyone.”

Excerpts of the interview:
But it is not so anymore. The first is the independence of the judiciary. It is now clear to the country that there is no more independence within the judiciary. It has become way too politicized. The public is aware how some people withdraw court cases they have filed at the eleventh hour, just when a case is about to be called. In fact cases are withdrawn by the Attorney General (AG). In some instances, when an appeal is lost, such cases are withdrawn. So where is the democracy in such a situation, you tell me? Everyone in this country has to abide by the law. There has to be a mechanism whereby the independence of the judiciary is protected at all times. Some of the Supreme Court judges, once they retire are showered with top posts along with excellent perks. They know that when they retire they are going to be well looked after. Such expectations and hopes should not be given to SC judges. They should lead quiet lives once they retire.

Police force politicized
Secondly, the police force has to be entrusted with the task of maintaining law and order devoid of political influence.

Today the police force has become politicized so much so that there is no independence for the police force in the country to carry out their job.

The best example is the underworld leader, Julampitiye Amare, who despite over 100 warrants against him, could not be apprehended by the police. He moved openly while brandishing firearms. Under whose authority did he do this, or how could he do this?

It is clear to the public as to who is shielding whom. The police later said that Amare had only five warrants. In that case, wasn’t that number of warrants sufficient to arrest him? The unfortunate incident at Katuwana occurred due to Amare being allowed by the government and the police to roam freely. There are scores of other instances that could be cited to justify claims that  the Police Department has become politicized, from the very top to the lowest ranks.

Using clout to flout rules
Third, there is no use in conducting elections under the present system of elections. Conducting polls sans an independent election commission leads to blatant violations of all election rules when polls are conducted. No election rules can be enforced without the establishment of an independent election commission.

It is the incumbent government that is using its clout to flout all such rules. This has been true in the past, it is true at present and it will be the case in the future as well unless the situation is transformed,” said Sobitha Thera.

Independent commissions

The thera (see main story) also said that even the LLRC recommendations have highlighted the setting up of independent judicial, police, election and state service commissions, and bemoaned the fact that the government has done nothing proactive to address these issues.

He maintained that if independent commissions are set up they will also go a long way towards establishing democracy in the country and will pave the way for a lasting solution to the national issue as well.

“The Executive President could overrule any laws or acts adopted by parliament. Such is the authority and power vested in him. Even in the Mahinda Chinthana it has been clearly stated that the Executive Presidency will be abolished. This was even stated by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga,” Sobitha Thera observed.

The Chief Incumbent of the Kotte Sri Naga Vihara said that the onus is on the government to set up and activate the independent commissions if they are sincere or genuine in their efforts to establish democratic norms and principles in the country.
He also emphasized that the government had invited the wrath of the international lobby vis-a-vis the Geneva resolution that was passed early this year due to it not being sincere in its efforts to traverse the path of democracy.

“Clearly the government has failed in allowing the people to live in peace and sans any fear. There were scores of incidents that took place in the past where people were allegedly abducted by white vans, etc. Now this too is a form of terrorism that is being unleashed in the country and the government is not determined to eradicate it though they wiped out Prabakaran’s terrorism. What we are requesting from the government is to look into these issues seriously. This was the same message given to the government by both the UNHRC in Geneva and the LLRC report, (LLRC is Lessons Learned Reconciliation Commission)” the thera averred.

Ven. Sobitha Thera said that it is time for all Sri Lankans to put aside their differences, whatever they may be and force the government of the day to adhere to democratic principles and maintain democracy in governance.

He also urged ministers and MPs to raise a voice from within the government circles towards this end.
“This request carries no party, race, caste, creed or affiliation. It is the crying need of the hour of all Sri Lankans. Justice is our religion. Equality is our religion. Independence is our religion and freedom is our religion. It is about time that the people take to the streets to achieve all of these,” he affirmed.

Maduluwave Sobitha Thera insisted that he is not interested in setting up a joint opposition.
“This should not be construed as the setting up of a joint opposition. That is entirely different from what we are planning right now. We do not have political undertones or connections. We encompass all citizens in this country without discriminating anyone under any circumstance. All are welcome - irrespective of who they are,” he asserted.

Related Posts:

1.  UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON DEMOCRACY
2. LLRC-REPORT (pdf file 407 pages)
3. Darusman Report (UN Panel of Experts on Sri Lanka War Accountability) pdf 243 pages, 31 March 2011
4. What is UN panel of Experts on Accountability in Sri Lanka 
5. Critic on LLRC: Statement on the Report of Sri Lanka's Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission
6. Recommendations of LLRC report implemented - Dr. Kohona
7.  TNA rejects LLRC report as failing to meet international standards of accountability and right of victims to truth, justice and reparations
8. Democracy and Human Rights: UN
9. Human Rights