"Outrage Won't Stop Justice" : AKD Signals End of Elite Immunity

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (20) declared that the enforcement of the law will not be obstructed under any circumstances, even as individuals who previously operated above the law react with outrage when accountability reaches them.

The President stressed that Sri Lanka is entering a new era in which all citizens are equal before the law, regardless of past power, privilege, or social standing.

“We are bringing that era to an end,” President Dissanayake said, noting that historical influence, political connections, and family background will no longer hold relevance in legal matters. “Everyone is equal before the law.”

The President noted that resistance is emerging from those unaccustomed to legal accountability. According to him, individuals who once remained above the law have begun reacting aggressively as law enforcement closes in on them.

“When the law begins to reach those who once stood above it, they become agitated. They are not accustomed to respecting the law,” he said. “As the law draws closer, they react with outrage.”

Despite such reactions, the President emphasized that authorities remain unfazed and committed to their mandate.

He reiterated that the government holds no personal vendetta, but is instead acting on the responsibility given by the public to establish a law-abiding society.

“We have no hatred or anger toward anyone. But we have a responsibility entrusted to us by the people, to build a society where everyone lives within the boundaries of the law,” he said.

President Dissanayake also addressed attempts to disrupt law enforcement activities, including the mobilization of crowds. He dismissed such efforts as ineffective, stating that they will not influence or weaken the implementation of justice.

“No amount of shouting or pressure can prevent the enforcement of the law. Even if groups gather around institutions, it cannot obstruct the process,” he said, adding that the law “will not bow” to actions involving criminally mobilized crowds.

Highlighting ongoing operations, the President revealed that multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), and the Narcotics Bureau, are currently engaged in extensive investigative work.

“Many arrests have already been made. Investigations are ongoing to arrest others. Legal proceedings have already been initiated in some cases, and trials are underway,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of institutional independence, outlining the distinct roles of the police, the Attorney General’s Department, and the judiciary. According to the President, each body must operate strictly within its legal authority.

“The police have the authority to investigate. The Attorney General’s Department has the authority to file cases. The judiciary ensures fair trials. Each institution must exercise and safeguard its authority within its defined limits,” he stated.

Reaffirming the government’s stance on non-interference, President Dissanayake assured law enforcement and judicial officers that their work will remain free from external influence.

“No one will interfere in your investigations. No one will interfere in judicial processes,” he said, emphasizing that an environment has been established where officials can operate with integrity and independence.

The President also acknowledged the importance of respecting institutional boundaries, including his own role.

“As President, I understand the responsibility entrusted to me and the limits of my authority. I will not exceed those limits,” he said.

At the same time, he indicated that legal reforms could be introduced if current frameworks are insufficient for effective governance.

“If those boundaries are too restrictive for certain matters, we will expand them through legal means,” he added.