Govt has encouraged criminal activities of ‘goons’ – UNP

The United National Party (UNP) says that the recent violent incidents targeting rallies and activists of the common opposition amply demonstrate the lack of democratic space under the “dictatorial” Rajapaksa regime.

“It is the best evidence of the urgent need to change course before this state terror and violence consumes us all,” the Chairman of the UNP Leadership Council MP Karu Jayasuriya said.

An election meeting of the Common Opposition which was scheduled to be held in Haputale on Saturday (20) came under attack just 10 minutes before the arrival of Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Jayasuriya charged that the meeting, which was organized Uva Provincial Council Opposition Leader Harin Fernando, was attacked by “Government goons”.

On Sunday, artists and civil society activists were assaulted in Hambantota, injuring several while the UNP Opposition Leader of the Hambantota Municipal Council Ayub Khan was attacked at a protest campaign organized by civil society activists near the Hambantota bus halt.

“This attack was led by the infamous Hambantota Mayor Eraj Fernando of toy pistol fame. The opposition has been at the receiving end of his heavy handed thuggery only a few months ago,” Jayasuriya alleged, in a statement issued today.

“Eraj Fernando is a symptom of the disease the Rajapaksa government has inflicted upon this country.”

“From the highest echelons of power to local level politicians this regime has not only provided impunity for corruption and violence to thrive - it has actively encouraged these criminal activities,” he charged.

The Gampaha District MP stated that the Hambantota Mayor is but the lower end of the spectrum of the “disgusting array of corrupt and violent politicians” who occupy political space under the ruling party.

He also accused the police department of shielding the individuals carrying out these attacks.  

“As it was in previous cases during these two incidents as well, the Police had watched passively and in some cases shielded the culprits as the opposition activists were beaten by Rajapaksa goons,” he said.

“The common opposition wishes to thank the Rajapaksa regime and its provincial level goons for their demonstration of their true selves once again. They have served to remind all Sri Lankans of how desperately this country needs change.”

“Intimidation and violence is not going to hinder the juggernaut that is going to create change in this country at the next election. The Rajapaksa regime has sensed opposition momentum,” Jayasuriya said, referring to Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena.

“This circus ends on January 8. On that day, all of these thugs, goons, drug peddlers, rapist and murderers will see their day of justice dawn. The justice that cannot be expected from the Rakapaksa regime will be delivered by the people of this country.”