Daily Archive: May 7, 2015
The SLFP yesterday said that it would take a legal action against the gazette notification which had set up the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) as it was instructed by a Ministerial Sub Committee (MSC) headed by Prime Minister on its final decisions against persons summoned before it.
Addressing a media conference at the SLFP headquarters, UPFA General Secretary and SLFP National Organiser Susil Premajayantha said that they were not against setting up of such a division. But, politicians must not be allowed to manipulate it, he said, noting that there five clauses in the gazette notification. The entire gazette was politicised due to the final one.
A crucial discussion between former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and incumbent Mathripala Sirisena yesterday on five issues including fielding former as the SLFP Prime Ministerial candidate at the forthcoming general election ended with both sides agreeing to refer them to the SLFP Central Committee for approval.
The discussion held at the President’s office in the Parliamentary Complex with the participation of several SLFP MPs assisting both parties had taken up the issue of dissolving local government bodies prior to the general election, contesting the next general election under the UPFA banner, nomination of candidates at the general election and putting an immediate end to political interference with investigations conducted by the police Financial Crimes Investigation Division, SLFP General Secretary Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.
The Supreme Court yesterday declared that the expulsion of Parliamentarian Tissa Attanayake from the membership of the United National Party was invalid. The letter of expulsion conveyed to petitioner Attanayake was also declared invalid.
The Court said that no explanation had been called from Attanayake prior to the decision to expel him from the party and no proper inquiry held. There was no evidence to show that the matter had been placed before the Working Committee of the UNP. There had been an absolute violation of natural justice.
The police hadn’t been able to establish a prima facie case to proceed with the investigation into an allegation that a section of the army sought to help former President Mahinda Rajapaksa remain in power in spite of his defeat at the Jan.8 presidential poll, authoritative sources told The Island However, Police Headquarters spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekera told The Island that the investigation had been concluded and the findings submitted to Attorney General Yuwanjana Wanasundera Wijayathilake for further action.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) recorded several statements, including that of former Army Commander the then Lt. Gen. Daya Ratnayake in connection with the investigation. The CID also questioned the then External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris because of him being present at Temple Trees on the presidential election night.
