The battle to free former MP Ranjan Ramanayake is not yet over, as he is still deprived of his civic and political rights and right to contest elections, reminded Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, addressing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Authority Board meeting in Nikaweratiya yesterday (27).
The event was organised by SJB Nikaweratiya Electoral Organiser Sumith Athapaththu and was attended by a lot of people.
The former MP has been granted only half the freedom he deserves, which under Section 1(c) of Article 34 of the Constitution is a mere removal of the prison sentence he had served, the Opposition Leader pointed out.
Despite Ramanayake being entitled to his freedom under Section 2 of Article 34 of the Constitution, such a freedom has not been granted, and the President, therefore, must ensure his full freedom, Premadasa added.
The Opposition Leader also noted that he as the Leader of the SJB still considers Ramanayake as a member of Parliament and therefore, will call him in to every SJB parliamentary group meeting, adding that the former MP will also be given permanent membership of the party parliamentary group and the executive board.
He revealed that Ranjan Ramanayake will also be appointed as the Chief of the SJB Anti-Corruption Movement, pledging that he will be fully committed to the former MP’s full freedom.
Despite the President’s calling in for an all-party government, what happens in reality is the formation of a government that devours everything, Premadasa went on, adding that there are three debt traps befallen the country which must be solved in order to build it. The government has not revealed any programme to accomplish that goal to date, he alleged.
MIAP
