Minister begins death fast

8 July 2010 05:13 am - 41 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Supun Dias and Lakna Paranamanna

Minister Wimal Weerawansa started a fast unto death in front of the UN office in Colombo a short while ago demanding the abolition of the war crime panel appointed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.

Minister Weerawansa took part in a pirith ceremony afterwhich he told reporters in the area that he would even sacrifice his life to safeguard the soliders who had fought the war against the LTTE.

Minister Weerawansa also urged the public to come in thousands and take part in protests and demonstrations all over the island in order to preassurize UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon to dissolve the panel.

The three other National Freedom Front (NFF) MPs who were staging a fast in front of the UN office broke their fast just minutes before Minister Weerawansa began his sathyagraha. Weerawansa is currently taking part in the fast alone.

Meanwhile speaking at a media briefing in Colombo a short while ago, UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya said that Minister Weerawansa's fast was invain as Sri Lanka could not be brought before the International War Crimes Tribunal as the country had not ratified the Rome statute.

MP Jayasuriya said that since the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe who was the then Prime Minister refrained from signing the Roman statute in 2002, Sri Lanka has not ratified to abide by its regulations.

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Comments - 41

Sudesh Thursday, 08 July 2010 06:35 AM

This is the true story … he will start fasting with a big show pretending he is a hero. Eventually when he realize UN will not revise he will pretend to fall unconscious and be taken to Nawaloka ICU and doctors announce he is critical and show a big pre planned drama. He will have a nice time with all his favorite food in a full luxury vila at the Nawaloka rooftop. Everything is preplanned this bugger will never die in hunger!!

Ananda S Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:47 AM

As a Sri Lankan who loves our war heroes I respect his decision of fast unto death on behalf of them. bank Ki Moon is a puppet of the West and pro-LTTE INGOS

dave Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:47 AM

I can not undertand why there is no body with Patriotic Ideas in these comments leaving Political differences, jeolousy and the revenge on WImal Weerawansa who made 30% contributions on bringing Mahinda Rajapaksha as the President.

prasan Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:54 AM

At least many writers should honestly realise that Wimal has the spine to carry on with the protest in some form while more than 200 MPs are in the Parliament who are the sons of free education/free health of this country are still maintaining deafening silence.

Matara Kolla Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:54 AM

No body can solve a problem by dying, only if you are alive.
but if you must, R.I.P.

Wasantha Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:54 AM

Meals from the temple trees or parliament.Or until the lunch time comes.

UDAY Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:57 AM

UN NECESSARY ACT !!!

ramesh Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:58 AM

At least he is doing some good to the country by ticking to fast on to death.

suren Thursday, 08 July 2010 06:20 AM

lets hope fast unto death be a success for the sake of the country.

Aiyo Aiyo Thursday, 08 July 2010 06:22 AM

Didn't we hear somebody preaching about the importance of collective responsibility of the Cabinet … Can we now enforce that please...

Rishard Mohamed Thursday, 08 July 2010 06:33 AM

I'm really fed up of this nonsense. They always start fasting and some body with a glass of juice will help them to end regardless of the out come of Ban Ki moon decision.

Lional De Alwis Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:43 AM

At least now he will realise and experience how the people are suffering and some starving due to high prices on essentials items such as milk, bread etc ...

Hash Thursday, 08 July 2010 06:38 AM

Are we missing something ? where is the tear gas they used on university students ?

Bertus Raneshwaran Thursday, 08 July 2010 06:46 AM

This guy will never die of hunger. Thats for sure. He is still
craving for recognition.

jana Thursday, 08 July 2010 06:53 AM

Wimal aiya should fast unto death to secure funds for housing for the displaced in the North. Get your priorities straight Wimal!

Ashok Thursday, 08 July 2010 11:14 AM

Wow Indian influence! now we take the Indian route to solve issues :) fast unto death!!

kumar soysa Thursday, 08 July 2010 11:24 AM

For once, I admire the man! IF he is serious!!

citizen1 Thursday, 08 July 2010 02:49 PM

Gone bananas.

mikeg Thursday, 08 July 2010 08:55 PM

Hope that this former JVPer keeps his word and that Ban Ki sticks to his guns!

tony Thursday, 08 July 2010 10:31 PM

FUNNY MAN!

Zara Friday, 09 July 2010 05:15 AM

Wonder why everyone is opposing the UN's special panel. If Sri Lanka was not at fault during the war, why is there so much of panic? Let the UN conduct its commission. And the let the truth come to light.

Carmini Perera Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:24 AM

Till some top government offical gives assurance that the panel will be abolished. Never ever Weerawansha will die like this. I'm taking any bets.

Jim Jam Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:19 AM

Poor Guy, hope he comes to his senses soon.

malkanthi Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:21 AM

Does he really want to die for the country?? or for money??

Ryan Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:21 AM

I wish and pray no one will convince him to stop the fast.

malith Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:22 AM

who cares :P

Rohan Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:22 AM

Hope Wimal will keep his word. Also Ban ki moon will not change his stand.

Kamal Jayawardena Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:22 AM

Anyone want to take a bet : He will stop the fast giving some reason.

DHA Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:22 AM

Wimal...!... you can afford to fast to burn out all the healthy meals you'll had from our Tax money......I hope rest of the parliamentarians will also follow....!!!

Sahan Perera Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:23 AM

Fast unto death or a fast for 10 hours ?

ST Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:24 AM

I wonder whether he is drinking water? mark my word. he will walk away after a while with empty handed. This guy is suitable for tamilnadu politics.

Calistus Jayatilleke Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:18 AM

Hooray, the best news we ever heard coming out of this episode. A true patriot who wants to be a martyr.

pabaa Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:24 AM

lunch may be ready at Hilton !

Mohamed Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:25 AM

Thank god for this. If he keeps to his word and fast, Country will be a better place.

Ben Basheer Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:26 AM

Good on you Minister ...that's the true spirit of true Sri Lankan.... carry on ...

Cynic Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:30 AM

Best news for the year. May you succeed with Moon's help.

local boy Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:30 AM

I salute you man. to do a peaceful demonstration. UN main intention is disable the politically stable selected nations and make uncertain . Note: Navi Pilly is a tamil and she believes tamil homeland ideology

Chaminda Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:34 AM

Wish Ban stick to his idea of keeping the pannel and Wimal stick to his pledge

Foresight Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:36 AM

Finally some good news for Sri Lanka.... we won't miss you Wimal, farewell!

Thinuka Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:36 AM

UN move is not acceptable.. its true. We must protest, we wanted to show our disappointment or anger about unnecessary UN involvement. But I believe, defiantly this is not the correct or effective style for it

RP Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:42 AM

Can other ministers join as well please ? This could be a good way to reduce the number of ministers in SL

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Minister begins death fast

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