The Weliweriya Tragedy and Political Vultures
Posted on August 6th, 2013
Janaka Yagirala
The incident that happened at Weliweriya was a tragedy. The villagers who protested had a genuine grievance, water. At the end, three lives were lost and most of the people who were injured were innocent bystanders. Those who died cannot be brought back to life, no amount of ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-compensationƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ will ever compensate their loss to their loved ones. Putting emotions aside, which is no easy task, what should be done is to ensure that these tragic events will never be repeated ever again.
The military has done the right thing by opening an investigation under none other than Major General Jagath Dias one of the most respected officers in service. This investigation should be made as transparent as possible. The fact that the live ammunition was used instead of rubber bullets is a serious inexcusable mishap which should be thoroughly investigated along with all other events that took place on this tragic day. Those responsible of any wrongdoing within the ranks of the military should be held accountable, no two words about it. Footage taken of that incident clearly show protesters pelting the soldiers with projectiles. Such individuals should also be identified and held accountable.
What matters are the facts and the truth. Some facts that do not add up have to be set straight.
The main issue is why the protest (which had been peaceful for the past week before August 1st) turned violent after an acceptable solution was reached between the disputed parties. According to the solution, the water from the polluted wells were to be tested by nine independent institutions and the factory was to halt operations pending the reports. It was agreed to provide piped water to the village and until then drinking water was to be temporarily provided via tankers.
The other issue is the source of the pollution, considering the fact that the factory in concern had been in operation for around 18 years and that the water had become undrinkable during the ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-past two weeksƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ as most people mentioned. Industries must always minimize their impact to the environment but we must also consider the fact that industries provide employment and things we need.
The disgusting thing about this tragedy are the political vultures.
This current regime has done little to make use of the 2/3rd majority. For starters, the cancer of our constitution, the 13th Amendment is still in place squandering billions of rupees of taxpayers money every year. A Northern PC without police and land powers is not enough, all completely useless provincial councils must go. Nevertheless, in terms of motive the government will have to face an election sooner or later and a tragic event like the Weliweriya bloodshed will do nothing to help their negative image of rampant corruption, thuggery and waste, especially when (completely useless) PC elections are due.
On the other hand, the bankrupt opposition has had a field day since August 1st, so has the diaspora and forces against our motherland. The opposition (with convenient amnesia about the atrocities of 1987-89, the irony is that the then enemies are now on the same anti-national side!) is playing the ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-sympathyƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ card (ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-ask for water but got bulletsƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚) while the diaspora are using it to give credence to their slander and fairy tales. It also comes at a critical time when the atrocities committed by the LTTE Gandhi Brigade (a truly ironic name!) such as the cold blooded execution of captured soldiers and Tamil civilians are coming to light.
This is what makes it impossible to exclude the possibility of the genuine grievances being manipulated by those with ulterior motives. After all, the peaceful protest turned violent after a reasonable solution was reached. According to common sense, once an acceptable solution is reached, protesters end their protest or else the acceptable solution is reached (or never reached) after drastic action or violence.
As usual the self proclaimed ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-adviserƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ on human rights with amnesia, the USA has advised to ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-respect the right to protestƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚. Indeed, it was the same right the USA very well respected when Iraqi War veteran Scott Olsen was shot in the head during the forced eviction of Occupy Oakland protesters from Frank H. Ogawa Plaza on October 25th, 2011. Luckily he survived. Similarly the USA better sort out the legally unresolved issue of the Ohio Army National Guard shooting unarmed students protesting the indiscriminate US bombing of Cambodia at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio on May 4th 1970. In all four students were killed (two were bystanders between classes) and one permanently paralyzed. This may not include the uncountable deaths due to US troops firing on civilian protests in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Finally, I will have to think of a suitable (non-obscene) word to call those namesake citizens of our country who use this opportunity to malign our war heroes. Our war heroes will always be war heroes for what they have done by ridding our motherland of the LTTE terrorists. Their sacrifice will always be noble and remembered. By all means the soldiers at Weliweriya cannot be cleared of any wrongdoing as I have previously mentioned but their actions will not lesson by even the most minuscule amount the supreme sacrifice of great soldiers like Captain Upul Aladeniya, Lieutenant Colonel Laith Jayasinghe, Corporal Gamini Kularatne, Colonel Fazly Lahir and Major Jude Wijethunge.
Lets not forget that Hon. Jeyraj Fernandopulle was killed by a bomb blast (along with many others) at Weliweriya. Those who malign our war heroes while living on our soil better relocate to a suitable country (Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Egypt, Israel, Pakistan to name a few) where bombs aimed at innocent civilians explode on an almost daily basis to truly appreciate what they have done for our motherland.
Let the truth prevail!
August 6th, 2013 at 8:13 pm
This episode has brought to light the true colour of many a patriot and some organisations. We can now see that some who write unceasingly in these columns as well as national dailies, on daily basis doing incredible research work are actually hirelings. Our ranaviruvos did a seemingly impossible job when pushed to the wall. They are trained to obey orders; civilians are not. One cannot do tit for tat with them. Especially our Sri Lanka workers are very unruly, they will work hard only when they are paid lot of incentives. Politicians with 25-40 years of experience should know how to handle. We will talk about those honourable politicians blown into pieces some other time.
August 6th, 2013 at 11:40 pm
Aloy,
BTW JVP was ALWAYS anti-govt AND anti-SL.
This is about the others.
So far those who loved the country = those who loved the govt.
But this has highlighted the divisions.
The unfortunate part is POLITICIANS on BOTH sides have used violence USING their thugs and the army.
I can udnerstand they using thugs but using the army? UNACCEPTABLE!
Obeying an ILLEGAL order is NOT professionalism, NOT patriotism. It is something else. This was NOT how the army conducted during the war. I have given ENOUGH examples.
If politicians continue to misuse the army, the army will turn against them and say NO. That is the mark of true patriotism and professionalism.
e.g. In 2003 SF FLATLY REFUSED to move the army out of HSZs despite the demand by the govt. and the then defence secretary. He DISOBEYED that illegal oder. That is the mark of true patriotism and professionalism.
(He changed in 2009.)
What if he obeyed that order?
On the other hand in the same year the air force was told to give VIP tours to Tamil Chelva and other terrorists. The air force and army were told to transport Norwegian donated terrorist equipment to Vanni and they did it.
That is NOT professionalism or patriotism.
DEPOLITICISING the army is GOOD for every country. In that case even if a DRUNK, OPPORTUNIST OR POWER HUNGRY politician gives an order, the army would REFUSE to obey.
No one talks about 1989 but had the army not been instructed to kill unarmed civilians and children things would have been much better for both the people and the army.
May be by karma Premathasa, Wijeratna and Janaka (although he had more good than bad overall) were BLOWN to pieces the size of ballbearings.
Guess what! MOST politicians and their appointees fall into these categories!!
GR is an exception but he was not involved in the incident.
Now the army is sent OUT of Jaffna exposing the FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE. But NO ONE in the army speaks out!
Where are the modern day SFs of 2003?
Do you see the DANGER the people, the army and the nation is in because the army has been turned to YESMEN after 2009 much like pre-1983 ceremonial army MISUSING their loyalty to democratically elected leaders?
August 6th, 2013 at 11:44 pm
My comments have disappeared!
I respect the right of the administrators.
August 7th, 2013 at 3:07 am
Lorenzo,
Thanks very much for the above.
What I can see is that every one of our leaders after JRJ thought of staying in power by what ever means, peacefully, thinking they will be safe if they leave out north for tamils. That never worked until MR was forced to do otherwise and thank god he did it. Now he thinks he can do what his predecessors did and stay peacefully. I only hope and pray he does the right thing and I know he can get out of present situation too with that decision.
I hope he can get the northern expressway also substantially completed at least up to A’pura where we should have our new capital, before he leaves. Sorry for taking a detour.
I will take a break of about a month.
August 7th, 2013 at 3:54 am
Janaka,
Thank you for the truth of the matter. This part says it all : “What matters are the facts and the truth. Some facts that do not add up have to be set straight.
The main issue is why the protest (which had been peaceful for the past week before August 1st) turned violent after an acceptable solution was reached between the disputed parties. According to the solution, the water from the polluted wells were to be tested by nine independent institutions and the factory was to halt operations pending the reports. It was agreed to provide piped water to the village and until then drinking water was to be temporarily provided via tankers.
The other issue is the source of the pollution, considering the fact that the factory in concern had been in operation for around 18 years and that the water had become undrinkable during the “past two weeks” as most people mentioned. Industries must always minimize their impact to the environment but we must also consider the fact that industries provide employment and things we need.
The disgusting thing about this tragedy are the political vultures”.
I am beginning to think that so called ‘peaceful protests’ ought to be suspended in Sri Lanka till the CHOGM meeting is over.
There are enough vultures out there to make mayhem out of ‘peaceful protests’ ! We lived through trumped up riots of 1983 and saw the damage done to the country via the Tamil Separatist leaders misleading the Tamil people.. Nothing has changed, even to this day.
August 7th, 2013 at 4:28 am
Natana netum eliwana jameta!
Now the neutered zeros are asking for an “international probe”. What a pathetic bunch of losers!
This is the time that all patriots should act wisely.
WE SHOULD NOT LET THESE EVIL FORCES TURN OUR COUNTRY INTO A SYRIA OR LIBYA.
August 7th, 2013 at 10:47 am
Mjaya is correct! Also Karu J has said that Navanindha Pillai will inquire about the Weliveriya incident when she visits SL this month. Is he a mind reader? No, he is indirectly asking NP to include it in her agenda. When a wide publicity is given to his statement (which the Daily Mirror is doing now) even she can’t do without doing something about it. This Karu J is one who cuts the neck through a wet cloth. ( Dhiya redhdhen bella kapana ekek!) A real political vulture!
August 7th, 2013 at 12:02 pm
aloy: Your statement: “We can now see that some who write unceasingly in these columns as well as national dailies on a daily basis doing incredible research work are actually hirelings” (“hirelings meaning persons who works for payment especially for purely mercenary motives)
Aloy, you should be rewarded with gold for saying this. (In Sihala Game Language it is “Kate Masurang Danna Vatinawa).
This whole incident at Weliveriya has been “researched” by these “hirelings” within a matter of few hours and days and we could read their “extensive study material” being published in print and electronic media locally and internationally, including countries such as UK and USA. The main Opposition Party Leader Honourable Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe has even gone to the extent of demanding an “International Investigation” on the matter. As you correctly pointed out these “hirelings” are very active even in these columns, and that observation could be made even by a lessor informed from the “instantaneous”comments that we read on a well researched presentations by eminent writers. Some even want to be the “first” to comment and drag the whole subject matter into disarray so that the readership is completely denied the chance to comprehend the main issues and form a well informed opinion. They are none other than these “HIRELINGS” you have mentioned.
So the environment (meaning the background) to this incident and what actually happened and who “neglected” in their responsibilities and accountability and who are the major players in it along with how generally the day to day administration has deteriorated to the lowest ebb in Sri Lanka could be discussed at a later occasion. I agree with you on that aspect too.
August 7th, 2013 at 12:59 pm
Hi Aloy,
It is not clear who you’re meant by ‘Hirelings’. Are you referring to regular patriotic writers like Mr. Mahindapala, Ms. S. Waduge, Mr. J. Bandarage or the dollar kakkas such as Dayan J, Jehan P, Pachabahu K, and Thirisanie. G.?
August 7th, 2013 at 1:44 pm
The funeral of a child killed in Weliweriya was held yesterday attended by a MASSIVE SINHALA CROWD.
MP Fernandopulle visited a church with bullet marks.
Video shows army attacking people with poles. These are not standard army issued batons. Army does NOT issue batons!!! That is only riot police.
The army was clearly MISUSED by some politicians. NO pipe water supply project still!!
August 7th, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Here’s more on the incident :
“Wednesday, August 7, 2013, Daily News
Local
Security Forces attacked with firearms, petrol bombs -Minister Nimal Siripala
Sandasen Marasinghe and Irangika Range
Leader of the House and Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva making a statement in Parliament said a section of the protesters at Weliveriya did not leave the site and attacked the Security Forces with stones and petrol bombs, creating a conflict.
It has been reported that the Security Forces had been attacked from one flank by protesters with a firearms. He said the protesters had damaged public property.
They had destroyed the Weliveriya fair and set a three-wheeler on fire. The Security Forces had to bring the situation under control for their self defence and to protect the public and public property. He made this observation in Parliament yesterday in response to a statement made by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe under Standing Order 23 (2). The Government will initiate an independent investigation into the incident which occurred in the Weliveriya town on August 1, as a result of a protest, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.
He also said the issue cropped up after the people around the Hayleys factory in Ratupaswala complained of the environmental hazard and drinking water in the area being contaminated to a Pradeshiya Sabha member on July 16.
When Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna and MP Pandu Bandaranayake learnt about the matter, after informing Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, it was handed over to institutions, including the Central Environmental Authority to submit a report within eight days.
Minister de Silva said at a discussion held at No 122 Nadungamuwa, Gampaha on July 19 presided by Deputy Minister Alagiyawanna and the participation of 200, including officials, it was promised to provide short term as well as long term solutions.
The minister also said the Gampaha and Mahara Pradeshiya Sabahas set up over 250 water tanks with a 500 litres and 1,000 litres capacity in villages to provide water for the people.
He said while the government and provincial politicians were taking measures to provide solutions, villagers initiated a protest near the factory on July 27 demanding the closure. The road was blocked by them for about 7 hours at Weliveriya and Rathupaswala.
On the following day too, they again commenced protests near the factory and the Rathupaswala playground.
Provincial politicians, including Deputy Minister Alagiyawanna, 45 representatives of protesters, Police and the factory management held a three and a half hours discussion to find a solution.
The police went before court of July 23, 27 and 31 to plead the closure of the factory. The court informed the Police to make the plea after taking reports from relevant institutions.
The factory was temporarily closed on July 31 on the request by the provincial politicians.
Minister de Silva said as the protesters continued their protest while the factory was temporarily closed, another meeting was held at the Defence Ministry on August 1 at 4 pm presided by the Defence Secretary with the relevant parties.
At the discussion, the factory management promised to close the factory until reports receive. They also agreed to provide water tanks temporarily and provide pipe borne water. He said the representatives of the protesters agreed and promise to dissolve themselves.
He said the decision was relayed to protesters using a loudspeaker. The protesters who blocked the Kandy-Colombo Road and part of the protesters at Weliveriya left the places after the decision was informed.
The minister said the OIC of Weliweriya Police and eight Army officers were severely injured by the protesters’ attacks.
He said the government denies the Opposition Leader’s statement that the Security Forces attacked the people who fled in to the church for protection. He said the matter that media people were assaulted will be considered in the same investigation.
The minister said it will be investigated to find out if there were other groups who incited the protesters.
He said the Police will also investigate to find out if some of the 112 employees sacked from the factory had any involvement in inciting the protesters.
The minister said though it seemed some sections attempted to get petty political mileage from the incident, he thanked the UNP Gampaha district political leadership and JVP representatives for taking part with an open mind in the discussion held to find solution to the issue presided by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa. He said that the government expresses its condolence to the relatives of the deceased, inured persons during the incident.
He thanked the Opposition Leader for making his statement as it allowed the government to reveal the truth about the incident”.
August 7th, 2013 at 2:08 pm
Whatever is said the truth remains 3 unarmed civilians (2 TEENAGERS) shot dead by live bullets.
A church was attacked. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith’s statement has gone international in AFP, reuters, miamiherald, etc.
Why give these jokers a chance?
IF this busts CHOGM and Pope’s visit that is good for SL in the LONG RUN. Commonwealth has done BAD not GOOD for the country. Then there is no need for NPC election show off either.
Now TNA will also cry foul saying they were attacked. With the FACT of 3 unarmed civilians killed in a protest the STUPID international community will believe it.
August 7th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
“The minister said though it seemed some sections attempted to get petty political mileage from the incident, he thanked the UNP Gampaha district political leadership and JVP representatives for taking part with an open mind in the discussion held to find solution to the issue presided by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.”
So now they are NOT getting political mileage?
IDENTIFY the UNNAMED SECTIONS who are getting political mileage.
I want to see them ARRESTED without blaming phantoms.
August 7th, 2013 at 6:39 pm
Lorenzo,
We must all understand that this incident was perfectly orchestrated and due to the blunders (possibly deliberate) made by some, became the “marketable” incident to the anti-SL forces. As Fran points out it is just like July 1983.
It is a time to ACT WISELY.
Lets just hope that the ruling party gets some brains now and finally LISTENS TO THE PEOPLE.
August 7th, 2013 at 6:48 pm
People have LOST CONFIDENCE in this gov. It happened long long ago.
BUT….
If the UNP-JVP come to power…… will they….
Reduce the electricity bill? No (they can’t!!!)
Reduce fuel prices? No (they can’t)
Reduce cost of living? No (they work for the business community so the cost of living will RISE)
What they will do is go ahead with the “war crimes” fiction and grant autonomy to the NE.
Also there will be NO FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Remember what happened to those who criticized the CFA back in 2001? Back then no media outlet published anything and most people published in websites like Lankaweb!!! (we are forever in debt to Lankaweb for that!!) If you want to get an idea of how things will be…. try making a pro-SL comment at Groun*V***s. Good Luck!
WE SHOULD ALL FACTOR THIS INTO OUR COURSE OF ACTION!!!!!
August 7th, 2013 at 7:10 pm
mjaya,
The govt MADE the blunder which is now marketed by the enemies!!
So it is the govt.’s fault. The govt. can’t go shooting UNARMED SINHALA TEENAGERS and then hope to escape limelight!
BTW did you read the govt. has jailed 25 army guys for killing 5 Tamil youth (ALL of them over the age of 19)?
Why this double standards?
AT LEAST NOW THE GOVT MAINLY (more than the people) has to act wisely and EQUALLY. But I DON’T SEE it happening!!
One law for killing Tamil teenagers another law for killing Sinhala teenagers.
This is July 1983 + BHOPAL 1984 + SLFP 1977 unless fixed on time.
The faggotness of the URINEPEE should not be used to scrww the people. This is what is happening now. Then people will not fear the URINEPEE because if faggoted as they are, they can’t scrww the people!
Re: Lankaweb
I have NO PROBLEM whatsoever. G~d bless Lankaweb people!
People can tell the truth ONLY here.
I was banned in grounded-views for REVEALING that their MAIN FUNDING source is FORD FOUNDATION (a frontline REGIME CHANGE agent), Tamils for Obama and another US based VIOLENT REGIME CHANGE agent that has given weapons to Libyan terrorists, etc. One grounded-views administrator even threatened to hunt me down and “teach a lesson”. It had hurt them so much which is hilarious!!
August 8th, 2013 at 5:10 am
Lorenzo,
It is not yet established exactly WHO shot those 3 people. Both sides had used guns. In addition, the organised ‘protestors’ had thrown petrol bombs. Generally, the army or police fires into the air (warning shots). We have to await the Army report on the incident before jumping to conclusions that the army shot the 3 people.
The Weliweriya incident smacks too much of the 1983 Riots. This time around, let us not be fooled.
——–
Anyway, hired thugs to cause artificial riots and hired journalists to paste the blame on the armed forces of Lanka & the govt., are the bane of our time. The last time a similar incident happened was the 1983 Riots. It resulted in the EXODUS of Tamils to the west. This time, the Tamil Separatist sector is aiming for Eelam via Weliweriya.
The other problem is LABOR. Illegal Tamil migrants provide cheap labor for the business sector. Otherwise why have illegal Tamil migrants not been deported ? There are tens of thousands of Tamil illegal migrants in Sri Lanka. They are going to vote at the NPC elections this time.
Also, SINHELA Labor problems have not been addressed by GoSL or the Opposition, hence incidents like Weliweriya through hired thugs. The Weliweriya tragedy has WATER & LABOR as the root causes, not only water.
While we are aware of the fact that businesses anywhere looks for cheap labor, there is a SECURITY issue here in Sri Lanka in getting Tamil illegal migrants into Lanka for cheap labor purposes. That is because these illegal migrants form the vote bloc for Tamil Separatism with the TNA (ITAK) etc. They come to Lanka to lose Caste, gain homes, land, jobs, free education, Eelam, etc. not so much to serve Lanka in labor needs. In Tamil Nadu, there are some 11 Million Tamils under the so called Scheduled Castes (low caste/Dalit origin).
These are the facts we have to face, however unpleasant, and take action as concerned Sri Lankans to stop the formation of Eelam. Above written only to create awareness in order to have action to stop of hidden issues that destabilise Sri Lanka leading to bifurcation of the island.
August 8th, 2013 at 6:07 am
Now the U*Pe* are calling in NaviP! How about that!
Lorenzo,
**I was banned in grounded-views for REVEALING that their MAIN FUNDING source is FORD FOUNDATION (a frontline REGIME CHANGE agent), Tamils for Obama and another US based VIOLENT REGIME CHANGE agent that has given weapons to Libyan terrorists, etc. One grounded-views administrator even threatened to hunt me down and “teach a lesson”. It had hurt them so much which is hilarious!!**
Now that’s interesting! No wonder they hate the truth!!!!!!
August 8th, 2013 at 6:12 am
Weliweriya well owners had better get their wells cleaned out thoroughly and put solid block wood covers with padlock. Or clean and cement up the well with an attached hand pump. How these wells had polluted water ONLY for the last 2-3 weeks rings warning bells in us all. The glove factory had been existence for 18 yrs with no pollutants reported.
If the facts tally to bring out foul play to ruin Lanka, then it is just like the 1983 Riots – clever foul play to ruin Lanka.
Correct me if I am wrong with the above facts.
August 10th, 2013 at 3:20 am
Any loss of life is sad.
But political opportunist Ranil and his gang think that “The worse, The better “. For Ranil and his followers there is nothing like national interest above personal interest. The Sri Lankan political vultures will starve without fresh corpses and these vultures are the real robbers of peace! These political vultures vomit to lighten their body weight so they can more easily fly to access the fresh carcass and avoid political starvation! .
We need a PATRIOTIC Selfless leader of the Opposition.
August 10th, 2013 at 5:33 am
Fran,
Civilians DID NOT SHOOT ANYONE to death or injury.
ALL the dead were killed by the army.
Besides ONLY Nimal Siripala de Silva (who was NOT there) says they fired guns!! BS!!
Wells draw water from underground.
So it means the water problem will NOT be resolved as I knew from the start.
Comparing this with 1983 OR 2009 is self defeating.
August 10th, 2013 at 5:36 am
mjaya,
What else do you expect the URINEPEE to do?
They are traitors. I’m glad that Jeyalath terrorist is dead. This is his district.
August 10th, 2013 at 5:55 am
“Washington, Aug 10:
Expressing concern over an Army crackdown on unarmed protestors in Sri Lanka that left three persons dead, the US has appealed to that country to launch a transparent investigation to prosecute those responsible.
“We call for a thorough and transparent inquiry into all aspects of the Weliweriya violence, for those conclusions to be made public, and for there to be a credible mechanism to prosecute any wrongdoing,” State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said.
“We offer our condolences to the families of the deceased and injured, continue to urge all sides to exercise restraint, and urge the authorities to respect the right of peaceful protest,” she added.
On August 1, three civilians had died in a firing by the Sri Lankan Army after the residents of Weliweriya township, northeast of Colombo, and surrounding villages were protesting a factory’s discharges of chemical waste that were polluting drinking water.
“We are particularly concerned by reports that protestors seeking refuge within a Catholic church were attacked there. There is never any excuse for violence, particularly in a house of worship,” Psaki said.”
– thehindubusinessonline
Do you know HOW this will end up?
Govt WILL investigate into this and tell USA who did it and PUNISH them. MOST of them will be army soldiers!!!
This is what ALWAYS happened.
This is also BAD for Dipped Products. They EXPORT. Soon the human rights MFs will TARNISH its good name and demand the govt to do what they want to see.
We are in a real mess. Had the army used tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, things would be different.
All this happened when we were building a good rapport with the US. They are not our friends but we cannot ignore them.
The church attack will REDUCE the votes in Puttlam – the LARGEST CATHOLIC DISTRICT percentage wise.
Muslims in Puttlam are already disgusted because NO COMPENSATION, NO RESETTLEMENT in Jaffna.
That is 55% of district vote.
Did a section in the army try to DISCREDIT the govt and the nation?
August 10th, 2013 at 6:43 am
Lorenzo,
Its hard to think straight at this time. We will have to wait and see what happens.
** Did a section in the army try to DISCREDIT the govt and the nation? **
Quite possible. During CBK’s time there were a lot of traitors in the armed forces. One thing SF did really well was to get rid of them. Too bad he ended up a traitor.
As I mentioned before, we have to act very wisely. The last thing we want is for the anti-national forces to turn our country to another Libya, Syria or Egypt.
August 10th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
mjaya,
For SL to be like those Islamic fools people have to be Islamic first.
That is NOT the case so they will NOT follow the fools of Libya and Syria.
During this year’s Ramadan Bomb Marathon more than 2,000 MOSTLY Islamics were killed by their own kind!
August 10th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
This is where the army SHOULD have SHOT DEAD the rioters.
But they DID NOT. Why? Because the riot was between a Muslim group and a VIOLENT Sinhala group (not Tamil as I mentioned before).
Why shoot only UNARMED SINHALA CIVILIANS and why NOT shoot armed racist terrorists burning mosques and injuring Imams, nuns, etc.?
At least now ACCEPT the country is in trouble because of this DOUBLE STANDARDS!
“Sri Lanka police imposed curfew until 7:00 a.m. tomorrow in the Grandpass area of the capital Colombo to control a tense situation erupted earlier in the evening after a mob attacked a Muslim prayer center.
Police riot squad and the Special Task Force have been called to control the tense situation erupted following the attack on the Muslim prayer center (Masjid) on the Swarna Chaithya Road in Grandpass by a mob earlier in the evening.
The clash has injured four people including two police officers, local media reported. However the Police Spokesman Superintendent of Police Buddhika Siriwardena said he was not aware of injuries to police officers.
The Imam of the mosque has reportedly been injured seriously.
Local media reports said that an extremist Buddhist group last month demanded the mosque which was adjacent to a Buddhist Temple to be moved and the Muslim religious leaders have agreed to do so.
Meanwhile the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) has called on Muslims in other areas not to get agitated and remain calm.
Meanwhile Twitter was abuzz with reports that a Buddhist Temple under construction in Chavakachcheri area of Jaffna has been attacked with grenades around 8:30 p.m. local time tonight.
However, there was no official word on the incident yet.
Tensions has been growing between the Buddhist and Muslim communities in Sri Lanka with the rise of extremist Buddhist groups and the government’s laid back attitude towards taking actions against them.”
August 10th, 2013 at 4:28 pm
“Police riot squad and the Special Task Force have been called to control the tense situation.”
Where is the army?
Where is the army?
This is where the army MUST be deployed!!! But no. The army is busy in Weliweriya. Only the police and police (STF is part of the police) are deployed.
Double standards leads to MORE violence.
MISDIRCETD BY POLITICIANS the army set an example last week it is OK to attack a NUN and shout filth at clergy so the OBEDIENT FOLLOWERS this week almost killed an Imam.
At least now ACCEPT,
1. the conduct of the army in Weliweriya was WRONG.
2. there is DOUBLE STANDARDS in SL depending on who the rioters are.
3. civilians are SHOT DEAD but serious racist rioters are allowed to injure, burn, attack, etc. anything and NO ONE of them is shot dead.
Disgusting.
Those who truly love the country MUST CONDEMN the killings of Weliweriya and DOUBLE STANDARDS in Grandpass.
I pray the Imam should RECOVER with G~d’s grace no matter how bad he was. Otherwise it will be island wide violence and hatred.
Govt. should immediately impose EMERGENCY LAW and suspend the NPC election.
August 11th, 2013 at 8:02 am
Lorenzo,
You have to address the REAL problems in this incident which are :
(1) That 112 JVP people were sacked for unruliness. Who and what caused this unruliness at this point in time.
(2) Why the contaminated wells at this point in time after all the glove factory has existed for some 18 yrs.
(3) It is now shown that many people joined the protestors AFTER a settlement was reached between Govt. reps and reps from the parties with ‘grievances’.
(4) The Defence Secy stated that missiles were thrown at the army and police. It was only after that the army reacted.
(5) Missiles were thrown at army and police in the DARK. These people waited for dusk/dark to fall before throwing fire bombs.
I have said already that Police & Army ought to use rubber bullets and tear gas. I am inclined to accept the fact that shots were fired at the Police & Army (LIVE BULLETS, NOT RUBBER BULLETS) and that is why they shot back. Those who threw fire bombs are to be blamed. Catch them and prosecute them for severe punishment.
With friends such as Lanka has, who needs enemies !
There are other points too which I will bring out later.
August 11th, 2013 at 8:58 am
The general idea by those who want to create trouble in Lanka is to KILL some people, civilians (Weliweriya) or soldiers (as in 1983) and create RIOTS. That is the parallel between the two incidents. The goal is to create RIOTS, more killings and civil disorder, resulting in discrediting the armed forces & GoSL. WHO BENEFITS FOR ALL THIS ?
Joint Opposition leading the country to hell.