SJB will not support ATA – Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday expressed his displeasure over the Anti -Terrorism Act (ATA), which is to be presented in Parliament and said that the Act violates the fundamental rights of the people.

The Opposition Leader was addressing a meeting in Colombo. He said that it is not suitable to bring such an Act in a democratic country as it completely violates the people’s rights. He said that in countries where democratic principles are highly accepted and protected, the people have the right and freedom to engage in trade union meetings, protest campaigns or meetings conducted by university students to show their displeasure over certain wrong decisions by the Government.

Opposition Leader Premadasa also said that constitutions in democratic countries give the maximum freedom to the people to make various statements on issues that are being discussed by the Government with other political parties.

“It is wrong to ban people’s views by introducing an Act,” he said. The Opposition Leader said that however his party Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SBJ) is completely against terrorist activities in a democratic country and there is no issue if stern actions are taken against them.

He also said that however banning trade union meetings, protest campaigns or similar meetings that are conducted peacefully without creating any trouble against the people is undemocratic and the SJB will definitely express views against such an Act.