Kurunegala District Parliamentarian of the National People’s Power (NPP), Wijesiri Basnayake, addressed allegations leveled against him during a visit to a garment factory in the Bingiriya area of Kurunegala.
Speaking on the incident, Basnayake claimed that the unrest was orchestrated by individuals linked to defeated politicians.
“The discussion at the garment factory lasted for about an hour. As we were leaving, a large crowd gathered at the factory’s front gate, behaving violently. Although three police officers were present, they were unable to control the situation. One individual opened the shutter of the vehicle I was in, attacked me, and attempted to pull me out by my shirt,” he explained.
He further stated, “The villagers had raised numerous complaints regarding the transport services for factory workers. We engaged with the company to address these concerns and agreed on solutions to ensure peace and order. However, upon leaving, we were met with hostility. It is evident that this attack was fueled by individuals backed by substantial bribes and commissions, acting as pawns of former politicians who lost their positions.”
The protest in Bingiriya emerged in response to an attempt to modify the transportation arrangements for the factory workers. Traditionally, these transport services were provided by locals from the area. However, during the visit, Basnayake proposed an alternative service provider, leading to strong opposition from the existing transport operators.
Accompanying Basnayake on the visit was Ajith Gihan Fernando, the Chilaw Electoral Organizer for the NPP. The proposal to alter the transport program sparked outrage among the local providers, culminating in the heated protest outside the factory.
The incident underscores the tensions surrounding changes to established systems and the involvement of external parties in local operations, with allegations of political interference adding further complexity to the situation.
