Prez: Military saved Parliament, democracy

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (09) paid a glowing tribute to the military for saving democracy by thwarting an attempt made by the violent protest movement to capture the country’s Parliament.

The nation saluted those who neutralised violent elements who interfered with Parliament, after toppling the Executive. President Wickremesinghe, said, addressing officers and men at the Akuregoda Army headquarters.

President Wickremesinghe made special mention of the role executed by the Air Mobile Brigade that played a significant role in thwarting the protesters’ march on Parliament, on 13 July. Had they succeeded, the country would have been plunged into crisis, President Wickremesinghe said, recalling how he had requested CDS General Shavendra Silva and Army Chief Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage to save Parliament from protesters.

The military succeeded in carrying out the operation, successfully, without opening fire, the President said. (SF)