Colombo: President Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed an unit of 13 members, led by a Hardline Buddha monk known for his anti-Muslim attitude, for the establishment of the concept of ‘one country, one law in the island country and to prepare the Draft ACT.
‘One country, one law’ is the election slogan of Rajapaksa in 2019 when he was elected president with extraordinary support from the majority of the country’s Buddha.
The task force, which was appointed by President Rajapaksa through a special sheet for the formation of the concept of ‘one country, one law’, led by GaGodaThthe Gnanasara, a Hardline Buddha monk which is a symbol of anti-Muslim hatred in the country.
Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) or the power of Buddhism, was involved in anti-Muslim riots in 2013.
The task force also has four Muslim scholars as members but there is no representation permitted for the Tamil Minority.
It has been entrusted with the work of preparing a draft for the implementation of the concept of ‘one country, one law, according to Gazette released on Tuesday.
The final report must be submitted on February 28, 2022 after the monthly report to President Rajapaksa about his progress.
Article 168 (1) The Constitution states that all existing laws will be read subject to a new constitution.
However, article 16 (1) states that all existing laws must be valid and operative, regardless of inconsistency with the chapter on fundamental rights.
The concept of ‘one country, one law’ was promoted by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) decision to win the support of the majority of Sinhala as a counter against increased Islamic extremism.
Efforts to practice Sharia law in this country are opposed by nationalist groups, saying it promotes Muslim extremism.
The campaign obtained additional encouragement after Suicide Easter 2019 attacks where more than 270 people, included 11 Indians, were killed.
The attack was blamed for extremist Islamic groups, Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ).
Nine suicide bombers, belonging to the NTJ local Islamic extremist group related to Isis, conducted a series of explosions that ripped three churches and as many luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, killed more than 270 people and injured more than 500 people on April 21, 2019.
The majority of Buddhists will mark a decade since ending the Tamil 37-year separatist war in May 2009 when the bombing in 2019 shook the country.