Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says the government does not act to protect anyone based on their status, and that it is clearly evident through the ongoing judicial processes.
PM Amarasuriya made these remarks in response to a question raised by Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera in Parliament.
She revealed that a system governed by the rule of law and an independent judiciary mentioned under the policy framework “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life” presented by the President as the National People’s Power presidential candidate at the 2024 Presidential Election, action is being taken to review cases that were withdrawn by the Bribery Commission and the Attorney General’s Department, and to re-file appropriate cases.
“From the period of 2019 to 2024, a total of 102 cases were withdrawn, and steps have been taken to re-file 65 cases. A decision has been made not to re-file 34 cases, while a further 3 cases are still under consideration with regard to re-filing.
“If you look into the judicial process currently in operation, it is clear that the Government is not acting to protect anyone. Legal proceedings are underway against many individuals, both those who are currently in Parliament and those who are not present. In some instances, incidents that occurred 15 to 20 years ago are being re-investigated, and prosecutions are being initiated accordingly. This process requires time,” she said.
Pointing out that these decisions have not been made based on status, PM Amarasuriya said that all possible steps are being taken in accordance with the evidence available in the relevant cases.
“The Government does not protect anyone under any circumstances. It is, in fact, laughable for those who protected one another under previous governments to now question whether the Government is protecting individuals when the judicial process is being carried out properly,” the PM added. (Newswire)
