Parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne reiterated that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) as an alternative government completely denounces the use of Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) against the peaceful protesters by this government.
Speaking at a press briefing held Wednesday at the Office of the Leader of Opposition, the MP said that when the present President was the prime minister during the Yahapalana government they put forward reforms to the PTA.
“Unfortunately, the President who was in the forefront to bring reforms to PTA at that time is now using the same provisions to deal with peaceful protestors when there are enough provisions under the normal laws of the country,” he said.
“Some say the police have given reason why they want to use PTA to deal with peaceful protesters. It is not for the Police to decide but for the Government to determine that the PTA cannot be used and the normal laws of the land should be applied,” Wickramaratne urged.
The MP further said SJB won’t condone with violence and those who purported such violence.
“We completely denounce those who burnt and caused damages to the houses of some members of Parliament. But the normal laws of the country must be applied. Justice must prevail.” Therefore, he said, the use of PTA should be completely denounced.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
