Statement issued by the Leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and Minister of Justice Rauff Hakeem on the disruption of meeting by Bodu Bala Sena.

How the press conference organized by a body that calls itself a ‘Jathika Bala Sena” was disrupted by a group of venerable monks led by the Venerable Galaboda Aththe Gnanansara Thera, General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena is now in the public domain.

Events in recent times have taught religious minorities in Sri Lanka that ethical purity of the conduct of the Buddhist clergy is a subject that is beyond their competence and review. However, we believe that the conduct of our law enforcement officers is still a matter of public concern and also a concern of political parties such as the SLMC.

The SLMC is deeply disturbed that the Officer-in-Charge of the Slave Island Police and other police officers were passive onlookers of the physical violence involved in the incident. The digital images are ample testimony to their discretionary disregard of blatant violations of a citizen’s right to free assembly and free speech.

A principal obligation of the State is to enforce the law to prevent impunity and to subject that process to judicial purview. Impunity is a process that gathers its own momentum. It encourages repetition.

The SLMC strongly urges the conflicting parties to seek legal recourse and deal with disputes in a lawful manner. SLMC is also compelled to note its grave concerns about the recent trends towards the emasculation of the law enforcement agencies.

The standoff between two parties was in full view of journalists of both print and electronic media.  It demonstrates that the police are presumed to be on the side of a movement that is widely perceived as allegedly enjoying the support of some powerful elements. This is a serious indictment on the inaction of the police.

At this point in time, Sri Lanka has steadfastly announced to the world that the responsibility to protect human rights resides first and foremost with the State itself. The need of this hour is truly accountable and democratic norms of governance that could guarantee political rights and civil liberties. This can be achieved only through mechanisms of accountability that can effectively restrain the abuse of power.

10:44 PM