Current political crisis: Int’l bodies can’t interfere: Dr. Prathiba

The international bodies have no rights to interfere with the present political crisis experienced by Sri Lanka, former head of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa said.

There is a prevailing political crisis in the country following the withdrawal of United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) from the National Government, which subsequently prompted President Maithripala Sirisena to remove Ranil Wickremesinghe from the premiership and appoint Mahinda Rajapaksa as new Prime Minister.

Some countries and organizations like Canada, USA, Australia, the European Union, Germany and India have raised concerns over the recent changes in the incumbent government and questioned whether the changes that had been made in line with the Constitution.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said UN Charter and the Mandate clearly underscored that every state was independent and sovereign.

“This is an internal issue which does not require international interference. It is clear that there is no violation of the Constitution as some groups are attempting to create false ideology on this situation,” Dr. Mahanamahewa added.

“There are some exceptional situations where international communities could interfere in the affairs of another state, but as far as this particular current situation is concerned, there is no need for them to make statements and suggest proposals.

He said the crisis could be solved by the country itself, “The UNP can either bring an impeachment against the President or bring a No Confidence motion against the Prime Minister,” he added.