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It was the 27th day of the holy month of Ramadan. As he did every year, a Muslim businessman was distributing Zakat or alms — one of five pillars of Islam, along with prayer, fasting, Hajj pilgrimage and belief in Allah and his messenger Prophet Mohamed.

When the word spread, large crowds gathered outside his gate. As it opened, there was a huge rush to enter the compound outside the businessman’s residence. In the melee, Police said three elderly women died. Health authorities were furious that the gathering had taken place with little or no regard to their guidelines of distancing due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic The man who embarked on a mission of philanthropy ended up in a remand prison with his associates. A case against them is pending.

When the word of this incident spread, it is not only the Police who arrived at the scene. There was also a team of Army personnel on motorcycles. Attired in combat gear and clutching T-56 assault rifles, some wore sunglasses. They moved around the area speaking on comm-sets to their higher command at Army Headquarters. When they realised there were no signs of any violent activity, they withdrew.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa reprimanding the Prisons Commissioner and top officials when he met them this week

Though their brief presence went largely unnoticed, it did highlight that the security landscape is fast changing. The Quick Reaction Team (QRT) from the Sri Lanka Army is now ready to rush to trouble spots which have remained exclusively the domain of the Police during peace times. However, there is an exception — the Army is on the frontlines with the Navy and the Air Force in coping with the outbreak of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka. So are the Police. That has been an onerous task with the number of victims from the deadly virus rising towards the 2,000 mark. Yet, in the security establishment, there are sections who opine that a stronger police force with more powers to cope with internal threats is the answer. There already is also the para-military Special Task Force (STF) of the Police.

That claim, however, has been devalued by many factors which have challenged the efficacy of the Police Department including its specialised agencies. The foray of the military increasingly into newer roles came after the April 21 Easter Sunday attacks. That left 268 innocent men, women, and children dead. The dastardly incident publicly laid bare the acts of a lame administration trying to steer the blame away from its stalwarts. Even worse, in that wake came another shocker — despite specific intelligence warnings, no action had been initiated to prevent the deadly attacks. It remains that way for the past 14 months whilst a Presidential Commission of Inquiry is unravelling a grim picture never known before. Suffice to say it contradicts what a Parliamentary Select Committee said was the truth. It also points the finger closer to those who spoke a lot but did little.

The Easter Sunday massacres by Muslim terrorists saw an enhanced role for the military. They had to guard key installations, secure the residences of Colombo-based diplomats, their missions and protect strategic points in the City of Colombo and other principal towns. The then President Maithripala Sirisena declared a state of emergency and in a different gazette proclamation calling out troops. Though the state of emergency lapsed, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa continues to call out troops to meet security requirements. This is under the Public Security Ordinance. For some brief period even, the Military Police was deployed for traffic duty together with the Police. Checkpoints were manned both by the Army and the Police.

Appointment of task forces

It is in this backdrop that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa established “a Presidential Task Force to build a Secure Country, Disciplined, Virtuous and Lawful Society in accordance with the powers vested in him as the President by Article 33 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.” Article 33 (f) empowers the President  “to do all such acts and things, not being inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution or written law, as by international law, custom or usage he required or authorized to do.”

The 13 members of Task Force are: Major General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne – Secretary to the Ministry of Defence; Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva -Commander of the Sri Lanka Army; Vice Admiral Piyal de Silva – Commander of Sri Lanka Navy; Air Marshal Sumangala Dias – Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force; C.D. Wickremarathne – Acting Inspector General of Police; Major General (Retired) Vijitha Ravipriya – Director General of Customs; Major General (Retired) Jagath Alwis – Chief of the National Intelligence; Major General Suresh Salley -  Director of State Intelligence Service 9; Major General A. S. Hewavitharana – Esquire Director of Army Intelligence Unit 10; Captain S.J. Kumara – Esquire Director of Navy Intelligence Unit 11; Air Commodore M.D.J. Wasage – Director of Air Force Intelligence Unit 12; T. C. A. Dhanapala -  Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Special Task Force of Police; and Waruna Jayasundara – Deputy Inspector-General of Police.

The preamble to the Gazette notification said: “While emphasising that it is the most prominent responsibility of the government to give priority to National Security and create a virtuous, disciplined and lawful society which respects the rule of law and justice as it stated in the policy statement “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour,”  And, whereas it has been recognised that the security of the country is a key factor in establishing economic strategies aimed at the development of a country, And, emphasising the equal protection of the law for the well-being of the people and for building a civilised society, And, considering that it is essential to liberate the entire society from the drug rampant spreading all over the society including the children who are considered as the future of a country is also a major factor in the social decline coupled with the economic decline, “Now, therefore, I, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, reposing great trust and confidence in your prudence, ability, and fidelity, appoint you the said:

“1. Taking necessary immediate steps to curb the illegal activities of social groups which are violating the law which is emerging as harmful to the free and peaceful existence of society at present in some places of the country.

“2. Take necessary measures for prevention from drug menace, prevent entry of drugs from abroad through ports and airports and to fully eradicate drug trafficking in the country and to prevent other social illnesses caused by drug abuse.

3. Take necessary measures to take legal action against persons responsible for the illegal and antisocial activities conducting in Sri Lanka while locating in other countries.

4. To investigate and prevent any illegal and antisocial activities in and around prisons.

Also, I appoint Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Major General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne  as the Chairman of the Task Force, and Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. D.M.S. Dissanayake as the Secretary of the said Task Force.”

“I hereby instruct all Government Officers and others to provide all possible assistance and provide all information that may be provided. And, I do hereby direct the said Task Force to report to me, all cases of delay or default on the part of any Public Officer or Officer of any Ministry, Government Department, State Corporation or other similar institution in the discharge of duties and responsibilities assigned to such public officer or such institution.” The proclamation has been signed by P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the President.

The setting up of this Task Force “to build a Secure Country, Disciplined, Virtuous and Lawful Society” has drawn greater public attention than similar bodies named before. President Rajapaksa has already appointed a Task Force for education, food supply and economic recovery. Together with the latest, another Task Force has also been appointed for archaeological heritage management in the Eastern Province.

The Government’s critics claim this is a further step towards “greater militarisation” and argue that the move, coupled together with appointment of retired military officers, was further proof. Sri Lankan groups operating from abroad have already launched a campaign. People for Equality in Sri Lanka (PEARL), a lesser known organisation from Washington DC, was quick to respond with a statement. “PEARL strongly condemns this week’s establishment of two presidential task forces in Sri Lanka, which sets the country on a firm course to autocratic governance.

“The new presidential task forces are a serious escalation in the president’s move to militarise the activities of the state in the name of national security and as a response to the pandemic. Both new task forces appear to be exclusively Sinhala and include suspected war criminals, indicating Sri Lanka’s strengthening of its ethnocracy with the backing of a president … and ….will exacerbate the existing militarisation…..  of the Tamil-dominated North-East, breeding further tension and instability in the region,” said PEARL’s Executive Director Tasha Manoranjan.

This statement, like many other events in the past, raises a profoundly serious question. The Government’s focus on fighting the Covid-19 epidemic, which has been creditable, has deprived to it the opportunity of any rapid reaction to a number of developments both in Sri Lanka and abroad. There is no Quick Reaction Teams for them.  On May 19, whilst the Government marked the Victory Day, pro Tiger guerrilla groups had their own commemoration events. Former UN Human Rights High Commissioner, Navaneethan Pillai, now representing the Tamil Sangam in South Africa, took part in a video event wearing a saree that bore the colours of the Tiger guerrilla flag. She claimed 146,000 Tamils were killed. The meeting was conducted through links established via Zoom – the cloud-based video conferencing tool now in vogue around the world.

A former State Department Assistant Secretary and now Congressman, Tom Malinowski, told the same event that the US-backed resolution on Sri Lanka was discussed when he arrived in Colombo in August 2015. That is just after the parliamentary elections. There was no government reaction either to Pillai’s or Malinowaski’s remarks. Not even when the Government has learnt that the first step to call for a ‘war crimes’ probe against the troops, together with Sri Lanka’s sponsorship, began  with the then newly elected government. The nuances were lost. Not even those fighting the UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka took serious note. If they did, they would have reacted.

Also, to mark the end of the separatist war, pro-guerrilla groups in Australia had a similar event in Sydney. A senator who spoke at the commemoration event declared that 146,000 Tamils were killed — the same remarks made by former UN Human Rights High Commissioner Pillai. That too went without a government response. It was clear that there was an organised group orchestrating these speeches with similar drafts being circulated to these speakers to read out. There was no government response to this.

Just a week ago, the International Crisis Group, a recognised organisation, released its latest report on Sri Lanka. It began by saying that “The Sri Lankan government has declared its intention to rule without parliamentary oversight for the first time in the country’s modern history, potentially sparking a serious constitutional crisis…..” As the statement was circulating in Colombo, interesting enough, the Supreme Court was deliberating on fundamental rights petitions over the dissolution of Parliament and the upcoming parliamentary elections. There was no government response articulating its position.

The main reason for any apprehension is the generalised terms used to define the objectives of the Task Force and the absence of any specific aims in the Gazette notification. The objective set out — to build a Secure country, Disciplined, Virtuous and Lawful Society – is perhaps one which any elected government would aim to achieve even if it is not publicly declared. Thus, what role the Task Force itself would play is not defined since the aims and objectives spelt out could even be those meant for a Government. It would have helped the government immensely if a politician or a senior official set out the objectives so the public could have understood the rationale behind the exercise. This way, it could have drawn greater public support too. This is particularly in the light of far reaching ramifications.

Another question that begs answer is the role of the National Security Council (NSC) vis a vis the newly appointed Task Force. In essence, the bulk of those in the Task Force are those who are members of the NSC, barring a handful of exceptions. Thus, it is not clear how their roles would be defined. Since there is also an external element centring on the Task Force, the absence of IT, communication experts and even seasoned diplomats is also showing.

Of course, one aspect is clear. That is the prevention of the drugs menace. The first step in this direction was taken by President Rajapaksa during a meeting with top officials in the Prison’s Department. He was frank enough to tell them that the department was corruption ridden and there was such a lot of malpractice. The President’s Media Division said, “Criminal operations by underworld kingpins and drug mafia from prisons must end forthwith – President President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has emphasised that crimes operated by underworld kingpins and drug mafia from prisons must be put to an end without delay.

“Specific information relating to criminal activities and drug peddling operated from prisons has been received. The general public is appalled by this situation, the President said, “This has to be rectified. The use of mobile phones within prison premises should be completely eradicated” President added.

“If Prisons or Police reach a state of collapse, it will adversely affect maintaining law and order in the country. President said he always welcomes the right conduct on the part of officials despite their political loyalties. President Rajapaksa emphasised that the existing shortcomings of the Department of Prisons will be removed, and the system will be entirely overhauled. This restructuring process will be implemented through a committee comprising Secretary Defence, the Army Commander, and the Inspector General of Police. The President also advised the relevant officials to conduct all actions including the training of officers and providing incentives under a supervisory team.” This is why, one of the four objectives, has been spelt out as a term of reference. It says, “To investigate and prevent any illegal and anti-social activities in and around Prisons.” In this regard, it is relevant to note that there is no official of the Prisons Department in the Task Force.

A government source elaborated on the fourth term of reference — taking necessary measures for legal action against persons responsible for the illegal and anti-social activities conducted in Sri Lanka while locating in other countries. ”We have identified a number of persons in different countries who have been working as a group. The role of some of them, in three different countries, is now underway,” the source said adding that a “dossier is in the making.” The source declined to provide details except to say, “we have strong evidence of their attempts to destabilise the Government through malicious propaganda.”

Preparation for parliamentary polls

The appointment of two new Task Forces comes as the Election Commission (EC) went to high gear to prepare for parliamentary elections. It came after the five-judge Supreme Court bench chaired by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya rejected eight fundamental rights petitions unanimously. These petitions challenged the dissolution of Parliament and the conduct of parliamentary elections on June 20. This paved the way for the EC to now determine when the elections should be held. The Commission is due to meet tomorrow to decide on a date. It is most likely to be held on August 8 or 15.

The Election Commission has already issued two gazette notifications. One is a guideline to the media “to provide accurate, balanced and impartial information in broadcasting or televising or publishing its news bulletins relating to political affairs.” A Permanent Representative Committee will monitor and ensure the guidelines are properly adhered to. Most of the provisions in the five-page guidelines relate to the electronic media.

The Commission also published an eight-page “Code of Conduct for Contesting Political Parties/Independents Groups and Candidates of the elections. The Commission has noted that the secretaries of political parties, party representatives and representatives of observer organisations have agreed with this Code. The EC has said that the Code is applicable to those who hold leading positions such as leaders and secretaries, candidates, activists and supporters of all political parties contesting elections, representatives of the Provincial Councils and Local Authorities, all activists of the political parties, supporters of the candidates, independent group leaders and their candidates.” The guidelines call on them to refrain from using state property, to stop propaganda activities 48 hours before the day of poll while it bans the conduct of musical shows.

All opposition political parties have gracefully accepted the ruling of the Supreme Court. They are awaiting an announcement by the EC on the election date so campaigns could be launched. “We are not the ones who went to courts seeking to delay elections,” declared Kabir Hashim, former Chairman of the United National Party (UNP). He is contesting on the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) ticket. He said that the SJB would keep to the guidelines set by the health authorities when it launches its campaign.

Like Hashim, 98 others have also been told by the UNP Working Committee to explain why they are contesting under another political party. They were given a week’s time to respond but the issue has now taken a different turn. UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told the Sunday Times the letters have already been sent.  He is correct. However, those letters have not reached the former parliamentarians. The reason – since the outbreak of Covid 19, letters have piled up at the Postal Department. The employees are demanding overtime payments to clear the backlog although they enjoyed the special holidays on account of Covid-19.

Former Minister and Kandy District parliamentarian, Lakshman Kiriella told the Sunday Times, “None of us has received the so-called letters from the UNP. I am waiting for it so I may give them a particularly good response.” He endorsed Kabir Hashim’s view that the creation of the SJB won the approval of the UNP Working Committee. However, UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has contended that the Working Committee did not give approval for them to contest under another party. Permission was only granted to negotiate with other coalition partners and then return to the Working Committee with a draft for approval.

From those backing the SJB, it was only Malik Samarawickrema, a former minister who was invited for the last UNP Working Committee meeting. However, he did not attend the event and was in Kandy that day.

In the light of the Supreme Court rejection of fundamental rights petitions, the current UNP move to sack 99 of its former parliamentarians will not be a major issue. The SJB nominations have already been handed in. Thus, it will not change the status quo. It now remains to be seen whether the UNP will follow through its threat and sack the 99 former party members. This will show whether claims by UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, that a ‘sizeable number’ will cross over to their side is true. SJB General Secretary, Ranjith Madduma Bandara said yesterday that the UNP’s threats had only gone to strengthen the position of the SJB alliance and added that people did not believe in the UNP. Countering the arguments, Ravi Karunanayake said, “The UNP has no fear. We are going ahead with arrangements. We will have meetings with small crowds because of the Corvid-19.” Navin Dissanayake, the UNP National Organiser, said that his party would use both the social media and the national media for its polls campaign. He also said that meetings would be kept to a minimum attendance.

Tomorrow’s announcement of a new date for parliamentary elections will now tick off the poll’s campaigns of different political parties. If the advent of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka gave a boost to the social media, it will enhance with the polls campaign. One can only hope that the Election Commission will be third time lucky when it chooses a date tomorrow.

Government leaders hope that the polls will be held either on July 25 or August 1. Other sources said that the Election Commission could also consider August 18 or 15. That is a choice before the EC.