If posts were exchanged clashes could have been avoided: Dayasiri

22 December 2011 07:49 am - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera today charged that the clashes at Sirikotha on Monday could have been avoided had the suggestion made by some members including himself to exchange the posts of party leader and leader of opposition between current party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Deputy Leader Karu Jaysuriya was accepted.

Mr. Jayasekera told a news conference that the decision to go for a vote instead of a consensus did the damage.

He charged that the election was far from free and fair as there were undue influences on the working committee members who were appointed during the day of the election itself.

The UNP MP said those who have been arrested and remanded in connection with the commotion at Sirikotha were actually those who tried to stop the violence.

While condemning the incident that took place on Monday, Mr. Jayasekera said two provincial council members who actually brought armed men inside the party head quarters are moving freely today. “They were moving freely manning the armed men on the day of the working committee meeting where the new office bearers were elected though only UNP MPs and the members of the working committee members were allowed inside,” he charged.

Mr. Jayasekera questioned as to why the police is so keen to carry out investigations on the incident without taking action to avoid the incidents on that day. He charged that police failed to maintain law and order that day as they did nothing to stop those who attacked Sirikotha. He charged that the police have changed their stance as they were arrested earlier arrested earlier for unlawful assembly but now they are changed under Public Property Act.

He also explained that no one should arouse communalism highlighting the stoning of Buddha statue at Sirikotha.

Mr. Jayaskera said he will continue the struggle to convert the UNP into a significant national force. Stating that the party’s Sinhala Buddhist vote base had eroded over the years, the UNP MP said it is essential for the party to rebuild this base to come back to power. He said the UPFA government was able to come to power by winning the nationalist forces and securing the Sinhala Buddhist vote base.

Mr. Jayasekera said this should be done no matter who leads the party. “We need to build up the party into a force that could attract the people at the grass root level even under Ranil Wickremesighe as the party leader. “The party should try to capture power without delay,” he said. (Yohan Perera)

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 - 8

kondebendapucheena Thursday, 22 December 2011 08:21 AM

When you people greedy for positions no way you can avoid this

Avi Vikum Thursday, 22 December 2011 08:26 AM

What a shame!! You guys continue to fight while country is robbed.

PREM Thursday, 22 December 2011 08:37 AM

THATS WELL SAID

Kangarro Thursday, 22 December 2011 09:49 AM

That 's 100% true

asoka Thursday, 22 December 2011 11:07 AM

the problem is old unp mps dont like to mention,sir for the unp new leader, that's why they vote for ranil,

Upul Thursday, 22 December 2011 06:39 PM

To me this seems to be a generational problem rather than a political issue. Ranil and Sajith are from two generations. I think Ranil is a great leader no doubt, but should know when to step down and help the next generation to step up to the plate.

ajantha Thursday, 22 December 2011 08:06 PM

dayasiri mp.be patient.still your party extremist do not have a proper plan or govern this country.
they ask for a change. but they dont trust them even though they trust and respect u.be patient all the time tellthe truthas u did in so many occasionstry to make a better srilanka all the best wishes to u.and be careful from crooked power greedy henchmens

Mohan Thursday, 22 December 2011 08:55 PM

Well done DJ

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.

If posts were exchanged clashes could have been avoided: Dayasiri

Comments - 8

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

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

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