Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya says that the Prevention of Terrorism Act is still in effect and the Terrorism Law has not yet been repealed. Perhaps you have a problem with using an existing law to investigate crimes, but there is no problem under the existing law.

Acting IGP Weerasuriya said that there is a right to use the provisions of the law for individual protection. There is a greater responsibility and accountability for you and for a police officer. However using an existing law to act for personal security is an investigation process but we are not ruling it out.

The Acting IGP said this while responding to two questions raised by Lanka Sky journalist Shantha Wijesuriya at a special press conference held at the Government Information Department in Polhengoda, Kirulapone on 22 morning. Former DIG Ravi Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, and Air Vice Marshal Thuiyakontha, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, were also present at the press conference.

Questions raised by the journalist

The suspect in the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder is being detained and questioned under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. This is an abuse of the law. Isn’t this jeopardy to democracy?

A person was shot in Kotahena which cannot be approved. During the cabinet decision media briefing I said we are not killing people by taking them to show weapons. I said this when there was suspicion about the conspiracy to kill Ganemulla Sanjeeva. 

Yesterday in Kotahena, two youths were caught by the public and shot and killed by the police. The previous government did the same thing. Hope you can remember what Deshabandula and Tiran Alles did with the so-called justice operation? They killed the youths like dogs and cats. I wish to ask, is this the aspiration of the people of this country? We say that there is a law to bring those who are called criminals to justice.

The suspect who is said to have killed Ganemulla Sanjeeva was brought before justice to be punished by such a law. I condemn the previous regime for killing journalists. They tried to kidnap me also.

I am someone who saved my life with the greatest difficulty. But we know one thing. The answer is not to act undemocratically and illegally. The government should act democratically and in accordance with the Constitution and the criminal law. I strongly condemn the events that took place yesterday in Kotahena. I wish to ask, is this government going on a democratic path?

IGP, in connection with the fundamental rights case ASU/FR.398/2008, an order has been issued stating that if a suspect is arrested and taken out, a video must be taken. Are you releasing that video now?

The judgment states that an Assistant Superintendent of Police should be informed when the suspect is to be taken out. If this advice is followed as stated here, the suspects cannot seize police weapons and retaliate. What action will you take regarding the failure to follow this advice? You and the Secretary said that special support is being provided by foreign countries to bring the criminal suspects to Sri Lanka. If a message is sent that the safety of the suspects will not be guaranteed if the suspects are brought to Sri Lanka, what will be the situation at the next UNHRC session in March?

Investigations are underway in this regard. There was an incident last night, and nothing can be said about it in advance.

Secretary to the Ministry of Defense – Such things will not happen under our government. It has happened under the previous government. Illegal activities of releasing weapons will not happen. We have to say what the previous government has done. The underworld has been well-nourished during the previous government.

Journalist Wijesuriya responding to the Secretary to the Ministry of Defense

The government came to power to solve the social and the economic  problems of the country. While blaming the old politics, that same culture is being used to suppress the underworld. Youths caught in Kotahena are being attacked, their faces are being crushed and taken pictures by the police. Ganemulla Sanjeeva was shot and fallen inside the dock. We heard the security in charge talking about how he was shot. He is not being taken to the hospital. Is this so inhumane?

As a government, should you all treat this in a humane manner?

The IGP said that the Prevention of Terrorism Act could be a problem for me. We have experienced how the PTA is implemented. The Terrorism Act is not a problem that affects only me personally. It affects the entire society. Anyone can be arrested under terrorism charges.