Defence Secy blames ‘revolutionary party’ for spree of violence

‘Probe underway into Galle Face mob attack’

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had been airlifted to the Trincomalee Naval Base for security reasons, Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said on Wednesday (11) said at a press conference, which was also attended by the Chiefs of the Tri-Forces.

Gunaratne said the former PM would be moved to a location of his choice later.

Gunaratne mentioned that the military would provide security to Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is entitled to security as a former President.

“The military will protect Mahinda Rajapaksa as long as it is necessary. As a former President he is entitled to security,” he said.

Army Commander, General Shavendra Silva added that 6.9 million people had voted for Gotabaya Rajapaksa. “There is a way to remove the President in the Constitution,” he said.

Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as Prime Minister on Monday (09), when violence engulfed the country after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters in Colombo.

Gunaratne said that Gota Go Gama protests were peaceful but due to some incidents that took place on Monday, they had changed. He added that following the attacks on protesters by the pro-Rajapaksa supporters, violence had been unleashed across the country. The Defence Secretary went on to say that they would take action against everyone involved in the violence, and that a revolutionary party was behind the violence.

“There were attacks on houses. People were killed. There was looting. Sri Lanka is becoming a Libya and we had to stop that,” he said, commenting on the decision to impose curfew and deploy the Army to assist the police in maintaining law and order. He said a police investigation was being conducted into the incidents at the Galle Face Green.

Curfew would most likely be lifted tomorrow, he said.

Gunaratne said that clashes had also taken place between Sinhalese and Muslim looters in Negombo on Tuesday.

“People were not listening to the Police. We had to resort to stern measures. I never thought I would have to witness this kind of situation,” he said.

“There have been incidents of looting and arson, but soon people will come into your house and rape your woman and children. I am not trying to scare anyone. But we will stop this from happening,” he said.

Gunaratne said that the trade unions had threatened a strike. “Teachers and principals must not go on strike. There are rumours that they will go on strike until the President resigns. Please don’t do that. Someday action will be taken against people who incited violence by livestreaming incidents.”

Gunaratne also denied media reports that India would troops here. “India is our elder brother. India is playing that role now. But for no reason will we allow foreign troops in SL,” he said.