FSP warns Lanka becoming colony of India with govt. behaving like a lackey of Delhi

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The Sri Lankan government was going to great lengths to suppress those who criticise unsolicited and disastrous Indian projects and interventions in Sri Lanka, Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), Pubudu Jayagoda said on Friday, addressing a press conference in Colombo.

Jayagoda said that on 20 March members of the Jana Aragala Movement held a demonstration against the disastrous IMF policies and the Indian interventions that are inimical to Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.

“Police tear gassed the protestors and arrested 33 people. Five protestors have been accused of attacking the police and they were presented before an identification parade on 22 March but because some policemen didn’t turn up, the five protesters have been remanded till 27 March. The police is making up allegations to keep them behind bars,” he said.

Jayagoda mentioned that these five men do not face any allegations that prevent bail. No public property was harmed and there were no court orders against the demonstration.

“We held a protest against the sale of strategic assets to India. We also demonstrated against the privatization of what was previously considered public goods. Under this government, Sri Lanka is fast becoming a colony of India. We are a victim of Indian political, economic, and military interventions. The government is quick to punish people who criticize India.”

Jayagoda asked whether the Sri Lankan police and the government are lackeys of the Indian state. A few months ago, Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando said Sri Lanka is a part of India, he said.

“Now our police are going out of their way to suppress anyone who criticizes India. The opposition political parties, too, are silent about the Indian and IMF interventions in Sri Lanka.”