“The Govt. cannot bury the cause and ideals Lasantha crusaded for by burying him”

(January 13, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) UNP and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the gathering at the Funeral of Lasantha Wickremetunge yesterday (12 Jan) said, Lasantha had to pay the high price with his life like all great leaders in the past who crusaded against corruption and malpractices , and who espoused the cause of Democracy, freedom of the people and media rights. Those who were hurt most had to resort to this kind of action because they were aware, without silencing him permanently , he, as a courageous Journalist who would not compromise on his principles could not be deterred or daunted in his crusade and will be a thorn in their side permanently, exposing and hounding them out for scathing criticisms.

Continuing his fiery speech, Ranil said , those who think that by killings and intimidation they could forever hold sway are sadly mistaken. He warned that there could be more killings , as the sinister forces behind this are waiting until the heat of this alarm and shock dies down only to pounce again.

It is time all parties united thinking in terms of the country , Democracy and a corruption free Nation , in order to defeat the evil Forces which are posing a dire threat to all the good values and Democratic traditions of the country built in the past. - Sri Lanka Guardian