No SJB participation as ’Black Sunday’ protests

Whilst SJB has decided not to participate in the Black Sunday protests on March 7, it was reported that Catholic MPs representing the party are likely to join in it.

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara told a press conference that his party will not undertake the work intended to do by the Catholic church or work intended to do by other religious leaders.

“ We don’t want to take part in the activities of the church or by the Buddhist clergy," Mr. Madduma Bandara said.

"It seems the Presidential commission which probed the Easter Sunday attacks did not manouvre the inquiries as per the mandate. The gazette notification through which the commission was appointed says, it would engage in finding out who plotted the attacks as well as finding out about the shortcomings pertaining to the prevention of the mayham despite prior warnings. However, the report does not indicate as to who plotted the attack," he added.

SJB Catholic MP Niroshan Perera who was also at the press conference said he and other Catholics will participate in the protests. "We will support the church to carry out it's black Sunday protests," he said.

He warned that things would turn serious if the government makes any attempt to prevent or disrupt the protests. (Yohan Perera)