|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Saturday, 27 September 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Features | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Resignations of Wijeweera and Wijesuriya by Hemantha Warnakulasuriya The resignation of Dr. B. S. Wijeweera from the Independent Police Commission has drawn the ire of the President. She has in a strongly worded letter addressed to the Speaker, criticized the criteria adopted by the Constitutional Council to appoint persons to important positions. She has especially referred to the refusal of the former Justice Vicknarajah to apply in writing to the Constitutional Council in respect of the position fallen vacant through the death of former Justice Abeyweera in the Commission to investigate Bribery and Corruption. It is the consensus of the 'old school' that no one of eminence, prestige and has earned the undying respect of his peers will do anything lowly as applying to fill the position. If the Executive requires the services of such a person it is incumbent upon the Executive to call upon such a person and obtain his consent for the appointment and then fill the vacancy. Indeed this is the most salutary and laudable way of appointing men of honour and moral virtue. These persons hardly ever speak loudly of their own honour, integrity and virtue. Those who do so are people who possess these qualities to the least. Today, with the advent of a new generation, the thinking of the old generation seems to be out of sync with the modern way of life. The others may argue that the Executive may not know the thinking of a particular individual and whether the individual is willing to accept such onerous duties. Therefore it is nothing but fair by the appointing authority that he shows his interest by applying for that particular post. Be that as it may, this is a contentious issue which may only be resolved by the Executive making a covert inquiry whether a person is willing to accept the position or not. If there is assent it may require a proper evaluation and determination of the person's suitability. The resignation of Dr. B. S. Wijeweera has sent shock waves through the society which was seeking to avenge the dark history of the Police by means of the Independent Police Commission, headed by men of learning and integrity. Dr. Wijeweera could not carry on further with the Commission, as a member who is a close relation of a police officer who had applied for promotion and the member, unashamedly canvassed the Police Commission. Dr. Wijeweera would not ever think of participating in such an exercise that clearly would undermine his independence. Some time ago, one time Auditor General P. M. Wijesuriya, who had been appointed to the Commission to investigate Bribery and Corruption resigned from his position. At that time it was well known in the 'cock-tails' circuits that the reason for the resignation of Mr. Wijesuriya was the fact that the Commission refrained from framing charges against a senior bank official for corruption. Mr. Wijesuriya, another person of the 'old school' may have had the uncomfortable feeling that it was not done, not due to the lack of evidence but due to the lack of moral conviction to challenge political influence that was made to bear upon the Commission which resulted in the exoneration of the suspect. The Commission to Investigate Bribery & Corruption was meant to be independent. It will be worth enquiring into the facts and circumstances that led to the resignation of this respected Auditor General as one of the Commissioners of the Bribery & Corruption Commission. There was no Constitutional Council then!. Wijesuriya and Wijeweera may indeed be the last vestige of men of honour who had the courage of their convictions and conscience and thereby repudiated the trappings and other perks that are bestowed upon them. We have almost forgotten the reasons for the resignation of Wijesuriya from the Bribery & Corruption Commission and we are also bound to forget the resignation of Wijeweera from the Independent Police Commission. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
