Leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance Mano Ganesan has defended his decision to sign a petition calling for the release of murder convict former Parliamentarian Duminda Silva.
A group of Government MPs have signed the petition which is due to be handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Former Colombo district MP Duminda Silva is currently imprisoned after being convicted for the murder of politician Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra.
Issuing a statement, TPA Leader Mano Ganesan has explained his decision to sign the petition calling for Silva’s release.
Meanwhile, speaking to Aruna newspaper, TPA MP Radakrishnan confirmed his party members signed the letter after taking into consideration a request made by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Tiran Alles. (NewsWire)
Full Statement
Date: 26-10-20-Monday
Subject: Duminda Silva
Former Colombo district MP Duminda Silva is jailed for murder charges. He had been under the influence of liquor when the killings occurred. Now, he has already spent near five years in prison.
It is for the law and order authorities to charge him if he has violated law on any other counts.
I am a human rights activist beyond being a politician. I have had fought against white van abductions, extra judicial killings and ransoms amidst life threats, during my struggle.
Therefore I don’t need tuitions on the subject of human rights.
Young lives should not be jailed for longer periods. Young people make mistakes. But they should be given opportunities to reform and correct themselves. It is my general contention.
Duminda Silva had served near five years in prison. He has gone through rehabilitation. I think he must be given an opportunity to live in the society.
Similarly the Tamil prisoners arrested for politically oriented crimes, when they were young and them who have now spent most part of their lives in remand prison, serving terms, yet to be charged under investigations and facing court cases should be also released to join their families and live in their societies.
Mano Ganeshan