Parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickam today requested people of Colombo not to give up on the fight against the government and to continue anti-government protests. Addressing Parliament, the MP said people question as to why Parliamentarians do not join protests on the streets.
He cited the incident between the Sri Lanka Army and the Police in Battaramulla yesterday. The MP stated; while Police looked on when an individual set an Army bus on fire in Mirihana, they to date have failed to identify the individual.
He questioned as to why the individual that set fire to the bus could not be identified yet despite the existence of a State Intelligence Service, Criminal Investigation Department and the Sri Lanka Police. Meanwhile, Parliamentarian Rohitha Abeygunawardana claimed parties who say protests should continue must claim responsibility for any lives lost in the process due to the instability created.
Speaking to Parliament MP Rohitha Abeygunawardana said a peaceful protest opposite the Presidential Secretariat was not individuals from oppressed classes, but persons who live luxurious lives. Parliamentarian JC Alawathuwala said although the opposition warned the government of the present issues a year ago and demanded action; the government claimed the opposition was creating lies.
He said members of the government cannot remain in their homes at present as they are being surrounded by protesters. MP Prasanna Ranatunga claimed parties attempted to murder Gotabaya Rajapaksa at his private residence at Mirihana.
He claimed under the guise of the slogan “Go Home Gota”, protestors were attempting to murder the President although they were unsuccessful. MP Ranatunga said groups are attempting to force the President to resign.
He charged the JVP of organizing protests on social media. MP Harshana Rajakaruna said vehicles on the streets, have boards reading ‘Gota Go Home’ on the back of their vehicles.
MP Rajakaruna said the public is coming out against the President without fear. He stated the President must resign without claiming the decision has been handed over to Parliament.
