Courtesy Daily Mirror

Colombo, June 25 (Daily Mirror) – United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Talatha Athukorala has alleged that a Deputy Minister attempted to influence police regarding the recent assault on Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) member Sandamali Uluwitage.

“We are aware that this Deputy Minister contacted the Grandpass Police to inquire about the incident. One has to wonder why a government official would take such an unusual interest in a police investigation,” Athukorala remarked during a press briefing yesterday.

She accused the government of undermining democratic norms. “It appears that democracy has been sidelined by this administration,” she said.

Athukorala alleged that the National People’s Power (NPP) exerted pressure on six CMC members who had initially pledged their support to the opposition, causing them to reverse their stance at the last minute.

Speaking about the assault, Ms. Uluwitage claimed she was nearly strangled by her attackers. “They warned me, saying, ‘Be aware that we, the NPP, have secured the CMC. Watch your step,'” she recounted.

She also accused the police of manipulating evidence related to the attack.