Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Cabinet spokesman defends removal of Thileepan statue citing legal constraints
Sri Lanka's Cabinet spokesman has justified the removal of a Thileepan statue, stating that domestic law prohibits promotion of proscribed organisations. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasised that police presented evidence to court before taking action.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has defended the controversial removal of Thileepan's statue on 27 September, explaining that the action was taken in compliance with Sri Lankan law. Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing, Jayatissa stated that existing legislation does not permit the promotion or glorification of organisations that have been proscribed by the government.
Ayatissa underscored that the removal followed proper legal procedure, with police presenting factual evidence before a court of law prior to taking action. The Cabinet spokesman's comments come amid public discourse surrounding the statue's removal and questions about the decision-making process.
The explanation reflects the government's position that the action was a matter of legal obligation rather than discretionary policy. Officials have maintained that law enforcement agencies acted within their constitutional authority when they proceeded with the removal.