The incident at Weliweriya is nothing less than murder as it was the killing of unarmed people, UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella stated.

Speaking at a press conference held today (August 7) in Colombo, MP Kiriella demanded that an independent judicial investigation take place on the incident.

He pointed out that the government has already charged that the people had been involved in shooting at the army. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva stated in parliament that the army had been shot at during the protest which had resulted in the army retaliation in a clash that left three persons including a 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old boy dead.

The MP explained that the Defence Ministry did not have to get involved in the situation in Weliweriya as it was only the Water Supply Ministry and the Environment Ministry that should have got involved adding that tension has built between the police force and the army due to the incident as the army has assumed police duties.

Kiriella pointed out that the people asked for water tanks but instead received battle tanks while the international community will look at this incident and will make its mind up regarding what happened in the North.

He added that the army cannot be allowed to murder people in this fashion after ending the war while there is now a stain on the reputation of the armed forces.

Opposition Leader of the Western Province Manju Sri Arangala was also present at the press briefing and stated that the government has proven that monetary power is greater to them than the power of the people.

He said that the government will now move forward wearing a Buddhist label while adding that the incident at Weliweriya is not second to the war in the North.