Wrong advice given to President

by Vickramabahu Karunaratne

(December 12, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) I came back from England on November 7, Tuesday. I was warned by friends that I could get arrested by the Mahinda regime. But the ruler had a better arrangement set for me. I was not disturbed in any way while I went through the airport. In fact most respectfully officials attended to my matters and within minutes I was out of the airport. Then the vicious plot of Mahinda regime was launched. Mahinda proved again that he is not ruling this country according to the law. On the contrary, the rule of law was observed in the negative and rules of thuggery and intimidation were activated in utmost faith. I requested help from the DIG north Colombo. I have reason to believe that police instead of helping me, used their power to let the goons attack our last vehicle and assault the passengers. I was allowed to go as I came out of the airport; and also the other vehicles that went from Colombo. After allowing us to move out, the last vehicle was carefully retained for the assault. Maybe they planned to kill the passengers. Thus it was a narrow escape for them.

Sinister event

Reporting this sinister event one media said “Supporters of the General Secretary of the Nava Sama Samaja Party (NSSP), Vickramabahu Karunaratne and some journalists were attacked at the Colombo airport by a mob while the police were looking on.” While another said “MTV Katunayaka correspondant Prema Lal and Lankaenews journalist Shantha Wijesuriya who went to cover Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratna’s arrival from the UK have been assaulted. NSSP party members, journalists, trade union leaders, lawyers and human rights activists were among the victims of the attack. During his visit, the NSSP General Secretary addressed several public meetings. He was one of the main speakers at the Tamil Remembrance Day 2010 held on November27. The government of Sri Lanka has accused Dr. Karunaratne and opposition parliamentarian Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena of organizing the protests in London in collusion with Tamil Tiger supporters.

On the other hand, Lakshman Hullugalle, the Director General of the Media Centre for National Security has said that it is too early to name suspects. He has said further that the attack was instigated by people who were discontented by Dr. Karunaratne’s anti government activities in the United Kingdom. Also he has indicated that “Dr. Jayalath Jayawardhana and Vickramabahu, both will be investigated and will be taken into custody if necessary for their anti government activities abroad”.

The truth is that violence was directed at the last vehicle that was delayed by the police. Not only was it delayed but no protection was given as promised. Lankaenews Journalist Shantha Wijesuriya and Sirasa Katunayake Airport reporter Premalal had to bear the brunt of the attack. Shantha Wijesuriya who sustained injuries on his head following this attack had taken treatment. All this shows that the ruler is ruling the country by violating the rule of law.

Formal invitation

He may be angry that he was hooted out of London by the proletarians and the Tamil speaking people. It is strange that he walked into London full of angry Tamils and protesting workers without any formal invitation of the Tory regime. The British regime is unable to give protection to any foreign politician who is on a private visit. Also, in London protesting and the show of displeasure are quite legal and a common event. On the other hand, if anybody accused of a crime visits England he can be arrested provided somebody concerned takes the matter to courts. The president could get diplomatic immunity but army officers are not above the law. All this is common knowledge. However, knowledgeable cabinet ministers have given wrong advice to the president expecting to humiliate him. This is the only conclusion I could arrive at after looking back at the flow of events.