Opposition would never betray the country: Sajith

COLOMBO (News 1st); Do not use the Geneva sessions as an excuse, cautions Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. 

Expressing his views on the intimidation of journalists and civil activists in the country, the Opposition Leader pointed out that many steps such as constitutional amendments and restrictions on free speech are being imposed to intimidate journalists and civil activists. 

Further stating that the suspects involved in the attack on Chamuditha Samarawickrama's residence are yet to be identified, the Opposition Leader said that although a court order has been issued to provide him security, it is yet to be implemented.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Security, Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Sarath Weerasekara stated that although the perpetrators attacked his house using stones and faecal matter, no bodily harm has been caused to Samarawickrama. Further stating that police officers have been stationed at the entrance to the housing complex and provided the required security, the Minister said that the Opposition Leader is making such remarks aiming for the United Nations Human Rights Council sessions, which is regrettable.

Opposition Leader Premadasa, responding to the Minister said that t it appears that the group which carried out the attack have carefully observed the time which is being noted down in the Police logbook, and all these events lead to the conclusion that the Government needing to prove that freedom of speech exists in the country. 

He further stated that whenever comments such as these are made, they are not made with regard to the UNHRC sessions, as the Opposition, in every discussion with the international community, does not attempt to betray the country. 

" We are no traitors who would betray our country. Now you can see the state of the so-called patriotic Government. There are no dollars, or fuel to protect the country. The Government can't even provide electricity properly during the A/L exams. Therefore, don't use Geneva as an excuse to save yourselves from everything," Premadasa added.