Transparency International Chairman Attorney-at-Law Lakshan Dias today condemned President Maithripala Sirisena for the comment he made yesterday on the Bribery Commission.

Speaking to the media, Dias pointed out that as the executive, Sirisena cannot interfere with the activities of the independent commissions.

The commissions have been appointed by the Constitutional Council created under the 19th Amendment of the Constitution and hence they are independent of the executive.

Dias called on the President to withdraw the statement on the Bribery Commission.

He also pointed out that the statements regarding the CID and the FCID cannot also be justified.

President Sirisena yesterday hit out at the Bribery Commission for taking three former navy commanders to court. He also said if the CID and the FCID acted with political motives stern action will have to be taken.