UNP condemns ‘cowardly attack’ on supporters

The United National Party (UNP) today condemned the attack on a group of people engaged in Minister Ravi Karunanayake’s election campaign at Bloemendhal Road, Colombo.

Armed men opened fire at the group of UNP supporters this morning killing one woman and injuring more than 10 others in the Kotahena area.

The incident of violence clearly demonstrates the plans of those elements that reject the culture of good governance and their intent on winning elections by unleashing terror, UNP General Secretary Kabir Hashim said. 

“The United National Party vehemently condemns this attack on a group of people who were peacefully engaged in Minister Ravi Karunanayake’s election campaign,” he said in a statement.

“We will not leave room for retarding our efforts to establish a civilized political culture in Sri Lanka by this type of uncivilized incidents,” he said. 

The minister stated that the Commissioner of Elections up to now has been able to conduct a peaceful election campaign within the environment of good governance ushered in on January 8 and that it has been made possible due to the clear stance of the government against acts of terror and lawlessness. 

“We would like to emphatically state that we will not allow this type of cowardly brutal attacks to reverse the victory of good governance,” he said while requesting an immediate investigation into this incident.

“The United National Party in deep sorrow of the demise of a female party activist, who was killed during the election campaign supporting the party in its endeavor to consolidate the already achieved victory of good governance, offers its deep condolences to the members of the bereaved family.” 

“We also wish speedy recovery to all our party members and others who are hospitalised with severe injuries,” the statement said. 

“We stress the need to be firm and not get discouraged by isolated incidents of this nature and all political parties, candidates and activists collectively act resolutely to ensure a peaceful election during the next few days and achieve our goal of consolidating good governance.”