The President said whatever views are expressed in various places regarding bringing foreign judges and establishing foreign military courts to take action against the so called human rights violations during the period of war, he would not allow any national or international activity which challenges the freedom, independence and the territorial integrity of the country.

The President was speaking at the 70th National Upasampada Vinayakarma (Higher Ordination) ceremony of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya held at the Town Hall Playground, Panadura yesterday.

President Sirisena said he would not allow any national or international activity which challenges the freedom, independence and the territorial integrity of the country.

He pledged to the Maha Sangha that he would not hesitate to act for the freedom and the independence of the motherland.

“It is the policy of the current government to act according to the advice and guidance of the Maha Sangha in its every activity related to national security and other matters,” he said.

The President said he is committed to protect the Sri Lankan society by respecting the proud history of the country as a Buddhist as well as the Head of the State. He ensured the Maha Sangha that he is dedicated to strengthen and nurture Buddhism in the constitution.

'Mangala should resign'

Meanwhile, addressing a media conference at the Parliament complex yesterday, the leader of the Joint Opposition - Dinesh Gunewardena said that Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera should resign because the latter had reiterated the need for foreign judges’ involvement even after President Maithripala Sirisena had rejected the proposed hybrid court system.

"By expressing his personal views on this matter, Foreign Minister had violated the Constitution and contradicted the President, Gunawardena said.

He said a Foreign Minister did not have powers to make such statements and through such utterances he had also violated the principle of collective responsibility of the Cabinet.

The Joint Opposition unanimously had passed a proposal on the issue and hoped to submit it to the President, he added.

(Excerpts from Daily News & The Island)