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Govt. to amend Immigration and Emigration Act
Thursday, 8 June 2006 - 5:47 AM SL Time
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Government is to bring in amendments to the Immigration and Emigration Act shortly, parliament was told yesterday. Minister of Justice Amarasiri Dodangoda told the House yesterday that government is working towards bringing in amendments to the Act shortly.
The minister made this point when TNA MP Mavaj Senathiraja, made a special statement, yester day. Mr.Senathiraja pointed out that there are over 400 prisoners of all communities in the Negombo prison, who had been detained under the Immigration and Emigration Act.
He complained that these prisoners have staged a protest inside the prison, following the death of a woman who had died in the prison as a result of not being given proper treatment for Asthma.
Mr. Senathiraja also pointed out, that this is a violation of human rights, and an act which is against all humanity, as they have been kept for years. He called upon President Mahinda Rajapaksa to intervene in the matter and at least make provision to release them on bail.
Mr.Senathiraja therefore called upon the government to bring the amendment as an urgent bill. When Mr., Senathiraja made this statement, JHU MP Ven. Athureliye Ratana Thera interrupted stating that it is not possible for the MP to make a special statement under standing order 23-2. However Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said Mr.Senathiraja should be allowed as, it is a matter of importance. Mr. Fernandopulle further said, government is ready to amend the bill.
He explained that the delay in releasing these inmates is not a shortcoming on the part of the government. He said it is because the Supreme Court has ruled that these people cannot be given bail.
Minister also explained that he had also received a petition from 197 inmates, asking for their release. This case has been fixed for June 19 and we expect the court to give a reasonable hearing. He further said that government MPs will support the amendments.
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