“If the Interior Minister himself violates human rights, to whom can we turn for help?” – PA Parliamentarian
[August 20, 2002  - 11.30 GMT]

"During the last eight months the government has failed to preserve law and order in the country, and the person who should bear responsibility for this is the interior minister," Nimal Siripala de Silva said in Parliament Monday.

The opposition parliamentarian was seconding the no-confidence motion against Interior Minister John Amaratunga presented in parliament by the chief opposition whip Mangala Samaraweera.

He said that the duty of the Interior Minister was to give leadership to safeguarding Human Rights and not violate them. "If he himself violates human rights, to whom can we turn for help," de Silva asked.

Twenty-three opposition parliamentarians including Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse, JVP parliamentary Group Leader Wimal Weerawansa and MEP Leader Dinesh Gunawardhena signed the motion.

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Last Updated Date: August 20, 2002  - 11.30 GMT.