Aragalaya livewires demand compensation for IUSF, IUBF convenors over detention

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The convenor of the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) Wasantha Mudalige and Convenor of Inter-University Bhikkhus’ Federation (IUBF) Galwewa Sridhamma Thera must be compensated by the government for illegal detention, activists affiliated with the Aragalaya demanded on Wednesday.Mudalige is still detained; Sridhamma Thera was released a few days earlier.

Terrance Rodrigo, Acting Convenor of the IUSF said that the health of Sridhamma Thera had deteriorated during his extended detention and he had fallen sick after being released.

“He was to talk to the media, but he has contracted fever and had to be admitted to the National Hospital, Colombo. The Thera suffered from dengue when he was in detention. He didn’t receive treatment for four days,” he said.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Joint Health Workers’ Union (JHWU) Ven. Tempitiye Sugathananda Thera said that the officials had not treated Siridhamma Thera for complications from dengue.

Rev. Jeevantha Peiris said that the government and the law enforcement agencies had failed to charge Wasantha Mudalige even after months of keeping him in detention. “These activists have been detained for months and they need to be compensated for this,” he said.Meanwhile, Duminda Nawagamuwa of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) said that Mudalige is to be produced before courts on 12 December again.