(Lanka-e-News- 11.Aug.2015, 10.30PM) The Army headquarters has issued a circular banning members of the army from participating in elections and social activities. This circular A 009 /2015 dated 7 th August is signed by Director administration , Brigadier N.A. Dharmaratne.
This circular states, it is issued based on the provisions of enactment No. 17 of 1947 of the army . Under the army regulations , no permanent , auxiliary or voluntary force officer or soldier can take part in election campaigns except for exercising their franchise. Internet social media and propaganda activities are also forbidden.
In case his wife is contesting , even his taking part in her election activities in his official residence is prohibited. Collection of funds , discussions , holding meetings in pursuance of political agendas and aims in uniform or otherwise too are strictly forbidden.
The actual question at issue does not concern the bans imposed. If this army disciplinary law is in force since 1947 , what is the action going to be taken by president Maithripala Sirasena who is also the defense minister, against the officers from the top to the bottom including the army commander who brazenly and openly violated election laws during the January 8 th 2015 elections? Based on the directives issued on 7 th August , disciplinary action must have been taken against every officer who transgressed the army regulations and be punished. When that is the position the burning question is , whether the army disciplinary laws in force since 1947 were not operative on 8 th January 2015?
Another issue is , the aforementioned circular has been introduced to come into effect from12 th August .If the army enactments are in operation from 1947 , then this 12 th August directive is for what purpose ? Is it to operate from high noon when scorching sun is right above the heads? Though the election laws operate from the time the nominations are handed over , the army disciplinary laws do not operate in that manner and are not subordinate to the election laws. Those are disciplinary laws in force since 1947 . When these are the stark unerring facts , why is this law enforcement to take effect from 12 th August ?
The copy of the relevant directive is herein
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by (2015-08-11 18:36:50)
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