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Presidential
advisors gag HK expert
The Berghof Foundation, an organisation assisting the Constitutional Affairs Ministry had arranged a dialogue on constitutional reform and conflict resolution. Several constitutional lawyers, academics, and peace activists, including Desmond Fernando, Shibly Aziz, Jayadeva Uyangoda, V. Tamilmaran and TNA Parliamentarian Gajan Ponnambalam were present. Several members of the President's advisory committee were also invited. Internationally renowned visiting constitutional expert of the Hong Kong University, Professor Yash Ghai who was involved in constitution reforms projects in Kenya and Afghanistan recently was invited to make an introduction. Less than ten minutes into his presentation, one of the Presidential advisors had interrupted Professor Ghai, saying they had not come to listen to a lecture, and pointed out that he, like Ghai, was also a university academic and as such, they were equal. Why then should he listen to Ghai, he had asked. Another member, a minority representative who had announced that he was "legal advisor to Her Excellency" supported his colleague and proceeded to explain why developments in Kenya, South Africa and other countries were entirely different, and therefore were of little relevance for Sri Lanka. A flabbergasted Professor Ghai was prevented from continuing and later confessed that he had never been subjected to such public humiliation. The other invitees were left speechless and the embarrassed Berghof organisers were seen at the entrance persuading the invitees from leaving before the post meeting refreshments could be served. |
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