Minister of Tourism and Lands Harin Fernando is in hot water over his recent remark, made in India, that Sri Lanka is a part of India.
MP Udaya Gammanpila, leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, yesterday (19) called for Harin Fernando to be sentenced to death.
Gammanpila made this statement during a press conference held in Colombo.
He asserted that Minister Fernando’s recent comment during his visit to India, where he declared that Sri Lanka is now a part of India, directly violates the sovereignty and independence of Sri Lanka.
Gammanpila emphasised that this statement, by Minister Fernando, is a breach of the oath taken prior to his appointment as a minister, as outlined in the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
He further argued that Minister Fernando’s advocacy for the annexation of Sri Lanka to another sovereign nation constitutes treason.
Gammanpila clarifies that treason is defined as the betrayal of one’s State, not the betrayal of a leader or king.
He points out that according to Sri Lanka’s penal code, the penalty for treason is death, and therefore, Minister Harin Fernando must face such a sentence.
National Freedom Party (NFF) Leader MP Wimal Weerawansa also raised similar concerns on Sunday (18) about Fernando’s statement.
Weerawansa said Fernando’s statement is violation of the oath he took as an MP.
“How could a Cabinet minister make such kind a statement? This statement also violates the Constitution of the country. The President must immediately make a clarification about this. I wonder why the SLPP MPs are silent over this,” Weerawansa stressed.
During an event in Mumbai, Fernando mentioned that India’s External Affairs Minister had reportedly urged Indians to consider visiting Sri Lanka, stating that “Sri Lanka is a part of India.”
Fernando highlighted India’s increasing engagement in Sri Lanka, including potential significant investments in three airports in the country.
Furthermore, Fernando remarked that the cost of living in Sri Lanka is notably lower than in Mumbai, suggesting to the audience in Mumbai that they should “sell Mumbai and come to Sri Lanka.”
(ceylontoday.lk)
