Massive protest outside UN

6 July 2010 05:34 am - 79 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

By Supun Dias

A large crowd has gathered outside the UN office in Colombo to stage a protest against UN Chief Ban Ki Moon’s decision to appoint an Expert Panel. Government Minister Wimal Weerawansa is leading the protest.

More than a 1000 protestors have gathered outside the UN office in Bauddhaloka Mawatha.

The protestors have put down a police barricade near the UN office and have got on top of the UN parapet wall and are staging the protest against the UN Secretary General.

The protestors have also begun a 'sathyagraha' until Ban Ki Moon reverts his decision.

Weerawansa had last week urged the public to surround the UN office in Sri Lanka and trap the staff inside until a decision was taken by the UN Secretary General to dissolve the panel he appointed on Sri Lanka.

The UN last week responded by saying its security officials were monitoring the comments made by Weerawansa and said there was an indication the government may apologise to the comments made by the government minister. (Daily Mirror online).

VIDEO

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 79

Sri Lankan in Dubai Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:45 AM

I thought that Weerawansa made 200,000 Plus votes from colombo during the election. All he could gather was 1000 for his mission against UN? Guess 199,000 votes may have been the so called computer jilmart. People like Weerawansa should always be carefull when picketing because the true vote base shows. Not good for the bargaining with MR for posts.

Bluff Bluff Tuesday, 06 July 2010 08:06 AM

What is the definition an ordinary, peace loving citizen of Sri Lanka can give to this other than "Terrorism"

Faqi Tuesday, 06 July 2010 08:01 AM

The UN Office could pack just pack up and leave. What the hell could S/L do if they did that? This is shameful. We are getting like a banana republic and would become the laughing stock of the world.

steve Tuesday, 06 July 2010 08:01 AM

No Upul. so you try to justify GOSL act with terrorist acts against UN?

Isuru Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:59 AM

Lol. What a definition!!!

BUGGER Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:55 AM

By Wimals action he is justifying the UN SG decision

nikita Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:52 AM

absolutely, if we had not violated HR why we worry. We could clean our name on their expences

nikita Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:50 AM

Our chance to become another Terrorist state. eureka

Arshad Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:50 AM

W.W. should not create more problems to this country when we are already in a difficult situation. Ultimately not W.W , M.R. or the Govt who looses but ordinary poor citizens of this country

Venkat Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:48 AM

Ban ki Moon's 3 man panel is not offical UN panel and if SL is clean in conducting this war why Wimal or any one is bothering too much about this ?

Dee Tuesday, 06 July 2010 08:09 AM

why not come over? too hot?

Josh Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:40 AM

the "patriot" bringing more disgrace to the country.....

Holman Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:24 AM

Government sponsored with Police protection.

Kadira Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:17 AM

For some in this forum why should not we Sri Lankans protest at the high handed acts of the UN against this nation? WHY? WHY? WHY?

baba Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:16 AM

so called most pecefull and democratic countries allowed LTTE to stage protest apposite SL embassis and even criminal activities such as damaging and burning properties.

Tharaka Chanaka Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:12 AM

although Wimal jumped sides, he still shows his JVP colours...

Sena2 Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:11 AM

The protests are against an individual, namely, Ban ki Moon who has acted in an arbitrary manner against a sovereign member of the UN, without any reference to or authority from the Security Council. Sri Lankans have an inalienable right to voice their concerns against Moon's decision in a manner that does not result in any violence.

nifla Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:03 AM

WAIT! YOU WILL BE REWA RDED WITH SANCTIONS. YOU MAY BUY A LOAF OF BREAD FOR Rs 100,000 LIKE SIMBAWE

sltk2004 Tuesday, 06 July 2010 07:00 AM

Isn't this inside a high-security zone - with lots of military installations close by ? How can this go on ?

Sicillian Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:54 AM

First step to getting into more trouble.

R.Dias Tuesday, 06 July 2010 10:01 AM

A - SUBA ANAAGATHAYAKA PERA NIMITHI

Faqi Mohamed Farook Wednesday, 07 July 2010 11:17 AM

With the support of the Sinhala Government !

colin lupton Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:31 PM

A nice country wasted by greedy politicians and extremists!

citizen1 Tuesday, 06 July 2010 12:21 PM

This seems to have some ''backing''. Thug elements with legal blessing!

Rushdi al Ayad Tuesday, 06 July 2010 11:28 AM

for people who dont know, THE UN IS THE BIGGEST FRAUD IN THE WORLD
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN PALESTINE

simple mind Tuesday, 06 July 2010 11:12 AM

So why not leave your cushy life and come join the hoi pollas .

john Tuesday, 06 July 2010 10:58 AM

So Sri Lanka has joined all the troubled states like Pakistan, Iraq and other African sates. The country has a literacy rate over 80%, still common sence does not prevail.

Dhamsen Tuesday, 06 July 2010 10:56 AM

Yes, Ananda.If he is sincere in his duty first of all he should have appointed a panel to look into same issues in Iraq and Afghanistan.

MAHINDA PERIS Tuesday, 06 July 2010 10:13 AM

ITS A SHAME ON THIS COUNTRY TO HAVE SOME THUGS RUNNING THE GOVT

suwimal Tuesday, 06 July 2010 10:10 AM

Two or more wrongs do not make a right.

Handipora Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:53 AM

What a shame. Country is being brought to disrepute. Weerawansa has shown his true colours of yesteryear. Should we Sri Lankans at large become bait for his ploys to cut a figure of himself in the political arena???

Nimal Tuesday, 06 July 2010 09:01 AM

Once again SL is being tarnished by foolish politicians.

krish Tuesday, 06 July 2010 08:55 AM

ya independent country for hasty people............ like u

patriot Tuesday, 06 July 2010 08:52 AM

Best time and place to make prompt demonstration and exhibition showing the killings and damages done to the country by terrorist to bankimoon and the world.

Josh Tuesday, 06 July 2010 08:49 AM

how did so many people gather at this place which is a high security zone and who gave these people permission to put up tents in there???

Unesh Fernando Tuesday, 06 July 2010 08:47 AM

r u inviting WW to do the same. u r encouraging a fool with out a brain man.

Thomas Tuesday, 06 July 2010 08:41 AM

Is there is a government in place in Colombo? Looks like the Lawless Somalia, where everyone is a President, King etc

Rif Tuesday, 06 July 2010 08:31 AM

barking to the moon

Mahesh Tuesday, 06 July 2010 08:16 AM

Yeah, you said it clearly- it was done by terrorists not by Government.....So, do you agree SL government is also terrorist?

sarath Tuesday, 06 July 2010 08:09 AM

This man who said he would remove plug from world bank.Now he is silent about loan obtained from IMF.There is no medicene for foolish work.

POL MAMA Tuesday, 06 July 2010 05:59 AM

THIS SHOWS THE AGRRESIVE ATTITUDE BY CERTAIN POLITICIAN LIKE WEERAWANSA- TARNSIHING THE COUNTRY IMAGE

mohandevandev Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:11 AM

Modayanta behetha nene ! for you people if white masters says anything you have to bend & agree, i guess that's what your gut says........... what to do !

mohandevandev Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:10 AM

Brilliant.............get the the tiger proxies kicked out of Sri Lanka

Lam Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:07 AM

hostage taken is on the way

RajasH Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:07 AM

Dont worry Moon will call this is a non violent protest and will praise the protesters for showing restrain.

RajasH Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:05 AM

I agree that Moon should be booted. He is a man of double standards.

J Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:04 AM

This man doest have brain, what he wants next keep hostage of employee of UN. If not dismiss Expert panel does he going to kill them ???

bash Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:01 AM

Now Sri Lanka attacking the UN, earlier any Tamils/group critical of the regime was attacked... Are they planning to hang the staff ???

STF Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:00 AM

Wel Done Wimal,

Keep it up, Mahinda wimal Gota are the hero

chaminda Tuesday, 06 July 2010 05:59 AM

When ministers have nothing else to do they host events like these. Because they do not have any understanding on their own duties, and to resolve issues in deplomatic way.

PBJ Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:11 AM

Weerawansa has no other option to be a puppet hero , and so to fool some of the people all the time .

ind Tuesday, 06 July 2010 05:59 AM

Protest is OK. But be careful not to damage anything.

malkanthi Tuesday, 06 July 2010 05:58 AM

The impact of GSP+ withdrawal????

maluman Tuesday, 06 July 2010 05:57 AM

If weerawansa wants UN and IMF to pull out, let them pull out and see what happens. Thousands of IDPs will starve to death, Sri lanka will not be able to get loans to pay basic salaries to state sector, etc. Some people like to talk big but do not think of repurcussions.

Jagath Tuesday, 06 July 2010 05:57 AM

it is not worth commenting on this man's actions. We will also look fools.

Uragodage Tuesday, 06 July 2010 05:52 AM

Srilanka is not property owned by either Wimal or Rajapakse family to tarnish the image of our country by taking tit for tat actions like this.

Mr Serious Tuesday, 06 July 2010 05:52 AM

Weerawansa is trying to be the "panchaaudaya" for the nation. he should have been sent him to front lines to see how he fared. this guy is so BOGUS!

Matara Kolla Tuesday, 06 July 2010 05:45 AM

Minister you are bringing the Parliament to disrepute by your action. What would you do next - take up arms ? Please get back to your desk and start running your Ministry before getting caught in quicksand.

sampath Tuesday, 06 July 2010 05:44 AM

In the world, only our government is threating the UN, wonderful. This is also to be recorded in the world book.

Ananda S Tuesday, 06 July 2010 05:43 AM

People should not damage any property, but the demonstration is reasonable. Ban Ki Moon should be impeached from UN.

CP Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:33 AM

I am wondering what has happened to those water bowsers, Tear gas, buses and black dressed arm police , who act swiftly if it is an anti government protest, what have you been doing till they climed a parapet wall of UN office by using police barricades. Why double standards!!!!!

Musthafa Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:52 AM

THIS IS GOOD ACTION, WE ARE SRI LANKAN- WE HAVE OUR RIGHT TO FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM. BANKI MOON MUST UNDERSTAND THAT SRI LANKA A IS INDEPENDENT COUNTRY WITH SELF RESPECT- WEERA- GO AHEAD

local boy Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:46 AM

sir, our government is brave because of china and russias' firm stand on this issue. feel india too silently supports

Upul Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:45 AM

No Sampath. You are a frog in the well. There were bombings at UN offices in Pakisthan and Baghdad. And in African region, the terrorists even kill UN staff!!

dave Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:43 AM

Well done Weera, if we are there in SL we could have joined. All people should join with him. This is the need of the hour. We are with you.

Damien Perera Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:41 AM

Is thousand a large crowd. Even 10000 is unlikely to be considered large by Ban or the UN. They are used to seeing hundreds of thousands which they have ignored in the past.

dinesh Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:41 AM

This protest tarnishes our image only and does no good.

spark Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:40 AM

It is a shame to the credibility of the country having ministers like Weerawansa. It is a further worse shame to have citizens of this country participating in the antics of such ministers.

Ravana Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:40 AM

where is the riot police? what about the water canons ? Is that only for opposition protests !

Freeman Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:35 AM

we should solve this matter diplomatically and professionally. instead of throwing nationalist ideals at the UN and threatening them. This action only ruins our already tarnished image.

Tiptop Tuesday, 06 July 2010 05:43 AM

Looks like to heat is on. Who is trying to fool whom?

paul Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:31 AM

The United Nations represents every nation in the world and, dispite some differences, has the respect of every country in the world. Todays events mean that the Sri Lankan government, through it's minister, has waged war against the world...good luck!

Ramzeel Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:30 AM

OMG, isnt there a person to muzzle this canine. Why is the Police not taking action against these protestors and charge them in the courts, MP or not..

Concerned Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:24 AM

When Inter University students were getting ready for a protest in Colombo a few weeks ago, many roads were closed and barricaded. Are there any road closed in Colombo today?

Tiptop Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:19 AM

Sri Lanka is a member of the UN. If the UN is so bad why not pull out of the UN and say bye bye. Please not that the charter of the UN is to protect the rights of the people with no borders.

Farshard Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:18 AM

This days no work for wimal???

ajith Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:17 AM

MR,Please get this mad max out of the issue.He is making you more trouble.He is going out of control and tie him some where.

love lanka Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:14 AM

Mr. Minister, you can be a hero among your voters, but it looks you a nutts among World community, can you assure that UN / EU going to change their stance because of this mugabe-style " rubgy match"?

nalin Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:12 AM

Is this action by the Minister endorsed by the President & the
Govt.?

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Massive protest outside UN

Comments - 79

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident