PTA, ICCPR and law of contempt of court are 3 important laws of any state. The ultimate aim of these three laws is to maintain national security, national harmony and national good governance in the state.
Unity among nations is the foundation of national security. But do the security forces in this country use PTA in a way that preserves the unity among the nations? Sri Lanka’s PTA law is being used in a way that destroys national unity. This writer, who was jailed for 6 months for nothing, is proof of that
Protection of human rights is the foundation of national unity. But are the security forces in this country using the ICCPR in a way that protects basic human rights? Last couple of years Using ICCPR, Shakthika Satkumara, Sepala and many jailed. Sri Lankan security forces are using ICCPR as a bulldozer that against human rights.
The rule of law is the foundation of the judicial system. That is, the rule of law is the universal set and the judiciary is a subset of it. The facts being so, the law of contempt of court should be used in a way that to protect the rule of law.
No matter state constitution or legal system how profound is, its effect depends on how it is applied by the rulers. It is a tragedy that Sri Lanka’s political authorities misuse sensitive laws to fulfill their narrow agendas.
When Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayaka was jailed for contempt of court, MP Harin Fernando was clad black scarf and performed a childish drama. There, Harin and the Parliament should have done not to wear black scarves but to bring amendments to formalize the law of contempt of court. Ajith Prasanna’s imprisonment for 4 years has made it clear that a black scarf is not the solution to the problem.
We in Sri Lanka should also become a civilized society by closing the loopholes in the law. The responsibility of formalizing the legal system rests entirely with the MPs sent to Parliament for legislation.
Any Member of Parliament in Sri Lanka can introduce a bill on a private level for a new law or amendment. But it appears that no one has fulfilled that responsibility.
Even the JVP members of parliament, who criticize other parties saying that they are different from other politicians, have not fulfilled their basic duty.
