No More Untouchables: AKD Pledges Legal Equality

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring equal justice for all citizens, regardless of status or influence. 

Speaking at the National Bhikkhu Day celebration held in Colombo, the President declared that the reforms initiated by his government would not be reversed, despite protests and political pressure.

“Do we continue drifting down the same destructive path, like a boat carried by the current? Or do we make a decision to turn it around?” he asked, addressing a gathering of Buddhist monks. “I swear before our revered monks that we will decisively reverse this destructive journey. No matter the protests or outcry, the steps we’ve taken will not be undone.”

President Dissanayake emphasized that his government is taking a historic stand to ensure that everyone is equal before the law, stating that wealth, power, position, or influence should not shield anyone from accountability.

“If anyone has ever been involved in a crime, corruption, abuse of power, or misuse of public funds, we will make every effort to bring them before the law,” he said. “This is not revenge. This is not a witch hunt. It’s about restoring a sense of justice and trust in the legal system.”

He criticized the prevailing public perception that justice is selective, reserved for the powerless while the powerful remain untouched.

The President also pledged non-interference in legal institutions, urging the Criminal Investigation Department, the Attorney General’s Department, and the judiciary to exercise their powers independently and fairly.

“We won’t label anyone corrupt. Let the courts decide. That’s our commitment.”

President Dissanayake addressed critics who oppose the principle of equal justice, suggesting their discomfort stems from a guilty conscience.

“Why do they panic when we say the law applies to all? Because deep down, they know the truth.”