Issuing a hard hitting statement against the Government’s high handed actions in the Wanathamulla Tenement Gardens where the Urban Development Authority is seeking to forcibly evict hundreds of residents, the main opposition United National Party has charged a resident was abducted from the area following a heated argument with Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa sparking mass protests.
Secretary MOD
The UNP said Samaradheera Sunil had been abducted after he had argued with the Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary over the attempts to forcibly remove residents from the area when the official was visiting.
The UNP statement said that the abduction of Sunil and his subsequent release had been the work of the security forces and the Government had been forced to release him unharmed after the people of Wanathamulla stormed the streets against his abduction.
It was during that massive demonstration that the residents had attempted to assault UPFA strongman Duminda Silva in anger when he arrived on the scene.
The main opposition party charged that the Rajapaksa Government was sending soldiers in uniform into shanties and gardens to force residents to leave the area. “Each time these efforts by uniformed soldiers are resisted, the troops drop the Rajapaksa name,” the UNP said.
The UNP has warned the Rajapaksa Government that Sunil’s abduction and the way his neighbours spilled out into the streets to obtain his release was a sign of things to come in the future if the regime continues its flagrant abuse of authority.
“This incident has already got attention internationally. There is no doubt that this latest human rights violation is being studied at the UNHRC in Geneva already. It will result in various conclusions being drawn in March,” the UNP statement said. It was proof that the all of Sri Lankan society was now ready to rage against the ongoing abuse of power and brutality perpetrated by the Executive presidential system, the UNP said.
The statement charged that the Rajapaksa Administration was determined to suppress legitimate civilian protests, recalling the shooting of unarmed protestors in Weliweriya, the Katunayake free trade zone and Chilaw.
Samaradheera Sunil was released after DIG Western Province Anura Senanayake pledged to have him returned to dispel the protestors.
Safa / February 20, 2014
UNP should arrange for an Independent Structural Engineer to inspect the Kukul Kudu Flats and expose the rampant corruption of the UDA and Booruwanses Housing Ministry. Obviously large sums of money have been swindled to build sub standard flats.
/
R. Varathan / February 21, 2014
The Rajapakses of Sri Lanka have much in common with the Duvaliers of Haiti. Senior “Papa Dop” Duvalier ruined and ruled the country under a firm familial grip as in a Police State with a band of goons who came and picked up dissidents in vans in the night – even ordinary citizens the ruling family did not like. They were the Tonton Macoules – the French equivalent of our local Billas. Duvaliers, like the Rajapakses, were mindless believers in sorcery (Kattadiyas) and also dominated the drug trade and prostitution. Haiti (30,000 sq. miles) and the Dominican Republic (48,000 sq. miles) are two countries that shared the earlier island of Hispaniola – romanticised by the Pirates after Spanish gold in the seas. While DR today boasts a Per Capita of US$10,000 favoured mainly as a tourist destination isolated Haiti struggles behind ($1,200), even prior to the earthquake. But the young Duvalier lives in Paris with his French wife enjoying the looted millions – a likewise fate we might have to endure soon.
R. Varathan
/
Palayang yako! / February 21, 2014
Varathan:
You missed an important point: There was only one Baby Doc. We have three (plus hundreds of relations) to deal with. We will truly be the Miracle of Asia if we are able to overcome this situation.
/
John / February 21, 2014
UNP should take a leaf from Sunil the hero & give leadership to opposition people’s struggle.
/
NAK / February 21, 2014
Which Sunil are you referring to? The one who made the disappearing act or to the one who organised it,the JVP type?
/
shankar / February 21, 2014
“UNP should take a leaf from Sunil the hero”
fat hope with ranil the zero.
/
Ben Hurling / February 21, 2014
Gota and his despicable clan is rampaging through the country.
With no regard for rule of law. With our constitution in the dustbin.
All that with near total impunity.
Why? One reason. UNP has not lived upto it’s constitutional role as Sri Lanka main opposition party.
When 18th amendment was passed UNP walked 100m in protest. Terrible.
UNP, your performance in opposition is rather dismal.
You let Sri Lanka down.
/
Series / February 21, 2014
The Minister for Opposition Affairs is sitting pretty. Why bother to fight a battle you can’t win? Principles, constitutional role and nation be damned, I’m alright Jack.
/
Sirimal / February 20, 2014
Sri Lanka’s Frankenstein- Gotabaya has been a great threat to all civil folks in the country today. Particular man^s life is becoming a threat today – no doubt he will be killed to settle the problem (their strategies are white vanning, assaulting, torturing, killing or send missing) – later they the criminals would say- everyone could go against him because he gave his issue a publicity by speaking to media.
Gotabaya only failed to revenge BBC^s moderator sometimes back who posed all hard questions in his “hard talk” program.
/
Rationalist / February 22, 2014
Wait for the Whole Story in “The Lego Movie”
/
Fathima / February 20, 2014
Lucky guy……..
/
Palmsquirrell / February 20, 2014
It has been said that Samaradheera Sunil is a hero, which he is – and so too are the people who took to the streets to secure his release because these folk who are just common everyday people struggling to survive did not let fear and apathy overcome them.
/
Palayang yako! / February 21, 2014
Palm squirrel:
You forgot to mention the cowards who are hiding under their beds in this country: the so-called “educated” people and the so-called opposition politicians.
/
Javi / February 21, 2014
They all piggy back while the stupid leapfrog, don’t you call that lazy but they are smarter in a hypocritical world.
/
whywhy / February 21, 2014
That’s because they have nothing to lose.Watching Hindi
films really helpful it seems.
/
aratai / February 20, 2014
.
People are trying to do what UNP cannot!
:-)
/
K.A Sumanasekera / February 20, 2014
It was stage managed by the opposition to give maximum ammunition to Ms Pillai.
Wnathmulla , Keselwatta are traditional UNP strongholds. Aren’t they?.
This UNP statement confirms it.
Just read the warning ” More Things to Come “…..
JVP, BASL, UFTA UNP , US , Rankin, Canadian , Bahu and the LTTE proxy TNA alliance is no small Opposition . Is it ?
/
Wera / February 21, 2014
Maybe time to pack your bags and depart. More things are definitely going to come. There is a god damn limit to what a bunch of scoundrels and that includes yourself can push people around and exploit them.
/
sarojini / February 21, 2014
His Tone. Is totally different to. his first interview. his accent similiar to a. Tamil speaking Sinhalese. Totaly different to the first voice. His version totally contradicts the first story where he says he was treated very well by his abductors where he was. And even offered tea.
There is something fishy going on,
/
Native Vedda / February 21, 2014
sarojini
“his accent similiar to a. Tamil speaking Sinhalese.”
Is it VP?
/
Palayang yako! / February 21, 2014
Tsunamisekera:
Don’t you have enought to do swindling people or has that become unnecessary because of what you get from your paymasters?
If you simply F-off you will be doing all of us a favour and not crapping all over CT.
/
Muhammed Fazl / February 20, 2014
The sec. of Defense will meet his waterloo very soon…
/
Javi / February 21, 2014
All roads lead to Russia first.
The Sihala have yet to apologise for the killing of the unarmed.Buddhist don’t apologise they are in a different world like Japan.
__________
Ukraine sanctions imposed amid Kiev clashes- 20 February 2014
European Union foreign ministers have agreed to impose sanctions on Ukrainian officials “responsible for violence and excessive force”.
In a statement, they said targeted sanctions including asset freezes and visa bans would be introduced “as a matter of urgency”.
/
NAK / February 21, 2014
Ukrain. Another country under attack for regime change. Demonstrations of Nuland’s f**k the EU type!!
/
Javi / February 22, 2014
what you say nic nak paddy poo!
/
K.A Sumanasekera / February 22, 2014
Oh What a relief,
I thought your Buddies Cameron , Harper and Pillai want to lead our inhabitants to Syria…
/
justice / February 21, 2014
The DIG making a “pledge” means that he knew who the abductors were.
Forcible evictions of citizens from homes is similar to what happened in the “high security zones” in the north.
Southerners are now getting a taste of what happened in the north.
/
shankar / February 21, 2014
Where is gammanpila.What does he say now about our hambantota bhuddha.
PS.CT can’t you put a nicer looking photo of Gota.Put one where he is not in a bad mood.My next door neighbours child ran screaming out.
/
Sirimal / February 21, 2014
You are just superb by bringing all good comparisons :). Not young ones but any adult reminds the key role of that american thriller- “The Silence of the Lambs”. Particular character is of a cannibalistic man (acted by Anthony hopkins).
This is the reason why that victim from Wanathamulla to go through torments before talking to GR personally.
/
Truth / February 21, 2014
I think this photo represents his “real face”
/
Wera / February 21, 2014
Is it not time to demand the immediate resignation of the S.D. How many violations of law, kidnappings, murder is enough to get rid of this most despicable man?
/
Sirimal / February 21, 2014
People are electroshocked. So nobody would dare to raise the issue.
Having read the latest about “Baratha Murder case” I felt this morning, alone examining the head injuries and source medical data of alleged accused – Duminda Silva will surely reveal more that have been kept away from the case so far. No any of the media seems to bring any kind of info regarding the issue are evident – that President and his close allies deliberately cover the case not allowing fair verdict. And paradoxically, victimized daughter of the dead in the incident -Hirunika represent this murderous president, in upcoming PC elections. Moreover, why should President’s Counsel Hemantha Warnakulasuriya be appeared on behalf of Duminda Silva ?
/
Harry_J / February 21, 2014
The way I heard was Hirunika joined force with the UPfA with ulterior motive of fighting for justice from the inside, using her charm to win over foes and all opposition, including Mamal’s support in the process, and now things will get really hot for Gota and his cronies including Duminda. She will exact her revenge for her father’s killing in due course. This will cause a major split in the household, so much that sides will be taken and then you can expect the pack to fall.
/
Sirimal / February 22, 2014
All approaches of the rulers are not easy as they appeared to be. I have the feeling, their nemesis is not far away. Duminda Silva ^s days numbered. You may be right that Hirunika’s sacrifices should have a proper plan.
/
Javi / February 22, 2014
she is no ursela andres!
You mean the women lift the cloth first?? he he
/
MrRetort / February 21, 2014
Mr Clean is getting Gotas support for cleansing of humans in the city. Gamapila is in a hora GAMANAKA.
/
MrRetort / February 21, 2014
Grabbing land in North and East now Rajapakses have started the game in south. SINHALAYAS BE AWARE.
/
genny / February 21, 2014
Anybody care to Wonder what would been going on in the north and east ?
/
Ricky Breeze / February 21, 2014
It appears Sri Lanka will end up like the current Venezuela and later like perhaps North Korea. Unfortunately the people are kings to gulp conspiracy theories rapidly and react faster to rather than real issues facing them. You may never get a Ukraine situation, where the public is taking on the autocratic government with home implements and air rifles against guns and tanks.
/
Truth / February 21, 2014
“you may never get a Ukraine….” Why not? If it is against another linguistic or religious group, Majority of Sinhala Budhist will come with all the offensive weapons to kill, rob, rape, burn, in short any sort of in human acts against them. Unfortunately they are brainless creatures, who are incapable of thinking on their own, but lead by the likes of Rajapakses!!They will willingly do this for money, liquor, perks or privileges!!!
/
Series / February 21, 2014
It has been going on for many decades. even the UNP had their death squads. In fact, white vans started during JR’s dictatorship.
Gamini, before you start using bad language, what would you call a president who dares to cancel a General Election he feels he cannot win?
/
Sirimal / February 21, 2014
Does this mean you dont mind white vanning so long you and your kith and kin are guarded or what ?
Fortunately, there seem to be good candidates on at least on the list this time, not trying to argue this way. I realized this by watching “balaya” TV debate yesterday. Most of them, the new candidates though sons of former politicians seem to bear genuine thoughts about common man’s grievances. Latter should be what given the highest priority regardless of party politics.
/
Series / February 21, 2014
It means white vanning is not unique to the Rajapakse government, that’s all.
All politicians and their sons have thoughts about the common man’s grievances. The trouble is that as soon as they are in power the thoughts disappear!
/
universe / February 21, 2014
What a great man Sunil is? Please look after yourself.yourself. Sri Lanka has become another Libia..SL was liberated from Prabakaran.(Every one did there part, in liberating SL from LTTE, though only one person’s name is mentioned right now) And now SL has to be liberated from these worst criminals.
/
Snowden Edward Asange / February 21, 2014
correction…SL must be liberated from the ONE person who claims to have won the war against the LTTE.. his name starts with a G ends with an A… and is a US citizen…
ask the audience, computer take 50-50 or call a friend….
IF u answered it, u won a million smiles…
/
Series / February 22, 2014
Sadly, Sunil will be forgotten within a month. Who remembers the name of the policeman who noticed that a certain ‘planter’ (Rohana Wijeweera) was buying a lot of newspapers from a nearby boutique? This policeman’s observation brought the JVP’s reign of terror to an end.
Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion.
Pity the nation that wears a cloth it does not weave, eats a bread it does not harvest, and drinks a wine that flows not from its own wine-press.
Pity the nation that acclaims the bull as hero, and that deems the glittering conqueror bountiful.
Pity the nation that despises a passion in its dream, yet submits in its awakening.
Pity the nation that raises not its voice when it walks in a funeral, boasts not except among its ruins, and will rebel not save when its neck is laid between the sword and the block.
Pity the nation whose statesman is a fox, whose philosopher is a juggler, and whose art is the art of patching and mimicking.
Pity the nation that welcomes its new ruler with trumpetings and farewells him with hootings, only to welcome another with trumpetings again.
Pity the nation whose sages are dumb with years and whose strong men are yet in the cradle.
Pity the nation divided into fragments, each fragment deeming itself a nation.
Khalil Gibran (The garden of the Prophet)
/
whywhy / February 21, 2014
The beauty of this man’s media talk is his fearless and
straightforward admission that he was a UNP man and now
he may prefer JVP,at a time even UNP leadership thinks
twice to behave like leaders.The irony is neither UNP
nor the UPFA will learn anything from these kind of people
as long as there are votes for a lunch packet and speech
full of filthy racism.These politicos are a so shameless
cheap creatures that go round the world thinking they are
treated V I P for their positions.Disgrace!the world is
watching them with disgust.This one GREAT man should be
taken serious by the opposition,specially the UNP.
/
Suresh / February 22, 2014
Are they unauthorized structures ?
/
jay / February 22, 2014
Truth is coming out little by little. Kidnapping, killing,and so many other things against HUMAN IN SRI LANKA, starting from SUNDAY LEADER Editor Mr. Lasantha Wickramanayaka. Wait and see.
/
T Wickramaratna / February 22, 2014
Weerawansa can go to Geneva and tell(In English) that all these abductions are press creations.
/
Sama / February 24, 2014
If his are that important it is even worth to appoint interpreters for him. Even doctoral level european leaders appoint interpreters to pass their message without misleading the fellow countries.
Just to keep the coalition intact and surveillance dog character has been WW’s role in the parliament today.
/
shankar / February 23, 2014
Sunil for next president.Single issue (relocation)&6 month term.
/
shankar / February 23, 2014
sunil for president.President sunil will do much more development than ex president rajapakshe,that too without the commissions.Largest hospital in south asia with largest dental clinic too in it,Largest cultural institute in asia,largest University in asis,all built in wanathamulla.
/
kuma / February 25, 2014
RAJA FUCKERS NAD KUDU GOTA WILL FUCK THIS COUNTRY VERY SOON.
/