‘Let’s stand against repression’ multiparty conference
Deshabandu Tennakoon is the main person responsible for the May 9th mayhem, allowing former Rajapaksa regime goons to unleash an inhumane attack on peaceful Galle Face Aragalaya protesters, ex-BASL Chief PC Upul Jayasuriya said yesterday.
Speaking at a conference organised by a number of political party representatives, civil society activists, and trade union members yesterday afternoon at the Sri Lanka Foundation, former Bar Association of Sri Lanka President Deshabandu Tennakoon said Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon should be held accountable for the May 9th attack.
“Deshabandu was the policeman who vowed that no peaceful protester would be harmed, but he was the same person who hid behind a ‘police coat’ and let the goons attack the protesters,” President Counsel said.
According to PC Jayasuriya, it was Deshabandu who allowed Rajapaksa supporters to attack ‘MynaGoGama’ first and then allowed the attackers to proceed to the Galle Face main agitation site.
“Do not be afraid! “On behalf of the legal profession and the BASL, we will support the Aragalaya and its supporters at all times,” he added.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa extended Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) support to the movement, saying a peaceful protest that lasted almost a month was brought to a halt by the Rajapaksas’ attack on the Aragalaya as part of the former Prime Minister’s farewell party.
According to Rev. Father Jeewantha Peiris, who spoke at the conference, state-sponsored terrorism is currently underway, with police intimidating every activist and protester.
“I came to this conference today after my third court appearance.” The officers who questioned me showed me photographs of our activists and asked if I knew who they were. “Because I call all of these boys ‘Putha,’ I told the cops that I didn’t know their names,” Fr. Peiris explained.
Former JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti stated that a leader who has been rejected by the people is currently ruling the country with only three things at his disposal: the Cabinet, a section of Parliament, and his Presidency.
“We demand that Ranil Rajapaksa not use the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to repress peaceful protesters in this country who have taken to the streets in response to hunger and poverty,” he said.
According to IUSF representative Lahiru Lakshan, their Convener Wasantha Mudalige is being detained inhumanely and grilled by police in Tangalle even as this conference is being held. “We demand that the authorities withdraw this heinous PTA law, which the rulers use to oppress the people,” he said.
Prof. Arjuna Parakrama, SLMC Leader Rauf Hakeem, TNA MP M A Sumanthiran, and DPF Leader Mano Ganesan were among the other speakers at the conference.
