• Resigning from portfolio proves his definite  involvement in the incident

By Ajith Siriwardana

Highlighting the need to appoint a committee of professionals to investigate the incident involving State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, the March 12 Movement today urged Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to suspend his party membership and probe his anti-disciplinary actions.

Its Convenor Rohana Hettiarachchi said people would not have faith in an investigation led by a commissioner of the Prisons Department. 

He said in a statement that the unbelievable silent approach of the leader of political parties had led to a disgraceful and bad political culture in the country.

“Hence, we request the SLPP to suspend Ratwatte’s party membership and take steps to subject his anti-disciplinary conduct to proper observation,” he said.

Mr. Hettiarachchi said the State Minister has already resigned from his portfolio involving prisons and said this proves his definite involvement in the incident.

He said the March 12 Movement expressed their strong discontent and called for an independent investigation.He said allegations were levelled against the Minister that he had entered the Anuradhapura prison and intimidated two prisoners using bad language.

“If this allegation is true, Lohan Ratwatte has challenged even minimum standards of discipline expected from a people’s representative. He has also violated the code of conduct which should be adhered to by the Parliamentarians. We are not hesitant to state that it would be a respect for the voters who preferred him, to resign as an MP,” he said. 

He said it was the utmost responsibility of the relevant state leaders and political party leaders to take necessary action on individuals who behave in a way that Sri Lanka was humiliated even at international level.

• Lohan Ratwatte has challenged even minimum standards of discipline expected from a people’s representative