Catholic Bishops Conference expresses concern over Task force

By Yohan Perera   

Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka yesterday expressed its deep concern on the erosion of democratic principles and values of the nation and raised questions on the composition of the Task-force appointed to implement the ‘One law and one country “ concept.   

“The Catholic Bishops Conference wish to express its deep concern on the erosion of democratic principles and values of our country. Despite the promise made by the President about the formulation of a new constitution, it has been ignored after the adoption of the 20th Amendment.It is being exploited beyond its limits to the detriment of the well being of the country,” a statement from the Bishops Conference said. 

 
“ No one opposes the ‘One country one law” objective, provided it  is seen as a corollary of the constitution. However to appoint hand picked members for the Task force through a gazette notification from outside the democratically elected legislature and leave out Tamils, Hindus, Catholics and Christians, makes no sense”. the statement added.   

“ To appoint the chairperson of the Task force without considering his past records adds insult and injury. We request that the gazette is repealed and the new constitution is adopted guaranteeing everyone equal status before the law” the statement further said.