Sri Lanka President

In response to the article regarding President Ranasinghe Premadasa titled “Sri Lanka’s Bizarre Leader Confounds his Foes” (Part A, Jan. 26):

I have yet to come across any article on an individual, let alone a head of state, where an attempt has been made to discredit and humiliate him on unsubstantiated comments by ministers whose credibility was questioned. The issues raised in this article were placed before the Supreme Court and on which the court gave its judgment as follows:

“Further, after signing the notice they had used their campaign against the executive presidential system as a cover to cause insult and injury to the character, integrity and ability of the leader of the party in his capacity as president. In addition, Messrs. Premachandra and Athulathmudali had lied to the Cabinet and deceived the Cabinet on 28.8.91. The Cabinet is charged with the direction and control of the government and operates on the basis of collective responsibility. Deception completely undermines loyalty, trust and confidence, vital for its functioning.

”. . . The subsequent conduct of the petitioners not only affirms their fault but also establishes mala fides on their part.”

SUSANTHA DE ALWIS, Ambassador, Sri Lanka, Washington