Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa has questioned President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s rationale for backing MP Namal Rajapaksa’s calls for a Rehabilitation Bureau.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader alleged that on the pretext of introducing new legislation, the Rajapaksas intend to use the Rehabilitation Bureau to send those who protested against them to rehabilitation centres.
“The Rehabilitation Bureau which is proposed to rehabilitate persons dependent on drugs, ex-combatants, members of violent extremist groups, and any other group of persons who require treatments and rehabilitation, is being used to target those who called for a system change.”
“Mahinda Rajapaksa’s sons have consolidated their positions and are now demanding action against those who campaigned against them as Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected President with the backing of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP),” MP Premadasa alleged.
MP Sajith Premadasa warned President Ranil Wickremesinghe to refrain from following the advice of the Rajapaksas on the Rehabilitation Bureau or be prepared to face consequences similar to the fate of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The Opposition Leader made the observation while addressing a public gathering in Gampola.
Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe presented the Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill in Parliament on the 23rd of September.
Earlier this month, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthiran urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe to withdraw the Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill.
The TNA MP pointed out it blatantly violates the fundamental principle that one is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
SJB MP S. M. Marikkar has also filed a Fundamental Rights application with the Supreme Court seeking an order against the Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill.
Several civil and political activists have pointed out that the bill paves the way for a crackdown on anti-government protesters, while it will also allow anti-government activists to be detained for a long period at Rehabilitation Camps. (NewsWire)
