Violent activities targeting common opposition shows lack of democratic space under the MR regime: Karu Jayasuriya

Dec 23, 2014 (LBO) - UNP’s Karu Jayasuriya said that recent violent incidents targeting rallies and activists of the common opposition amply demonstrate the lack of democratic space under the dictatorial Rajapaksa regime. He said this issuing a statement yesterday.

Media Statement Reproduced

It is the best evidence of the urgent need to change course before this state terror and violence consumes us all.

An election meeting of the Common Opposition which was scheduled to be held in Haputale came under attack by Government goons just 10 minutes before the arrival of Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. The meeting was organized by Opposition Leader of the Uva Provincial Council and former UNP Parliamentarian Harin Fernando.

On Sunday, prominent local members of the UPFA assaulted artists and civil society activists in the President's home district of Hambantota, injuring several. The UNP Opposition Leader of the Hambantota Municipal Council Auyb Khan were attacked by Rajapaksa goons at a protest campaign organized by civil society activists near the Hambantota bus halt. This attack was led by the infamous Hambantota Mayor Eraj Fernando of toy pistol fame. The opposition has been at the rece