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No independence for UNP

2 February 2010 12:27 pm - 46     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Jamila Najmuddin


The opposition UNP has decided to boycott the national Independence Day celebrations in Kandy on Thursday as a mark of protest over the alleged harassment of supporters of General Sarath Fonseka by the government.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayaka speaking to Daily Mirror online, said that the party had reached a collective decision, to refrain from attending the celebrations at a time when the country was in turmoil.

“Where is the freedom? Independence day is supposed to be a day we celebrate our freedom. But instead, today, our people are suffering and are being tortured at the hands of the government. Look at the way the government is treating Sarath Fonseka and his supporters? Our decision to boycott is a mark of protest against the government,” Mr. Attanayaka told Daily Mirror online.

He further charged that journalists were being threatened and government servants who had pledged support for the General during the Presidential Election had been harassed. “Where is the freedom in this?” Mr. Attanayaka queried.

The UNP met with Buddhist Prelates in Kandy this afternoon and informed them about the country’s situation and the alleged harassment faced by General Fonseka and his supporters.

Mr. Attanayaka along with UNP MP’s Karu Jayasuirya, Gamini Jayawickrama Perera and SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem met the Prelates in Kandy.


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  Comments - 46

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  • Tuesday, 02 February 2010 09:16 PM

    No impact at all! But, it is sad to see the sorry state of the UNP!

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:45 PM

    Good decision by the UNP. No democracy, no independence!

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:49 PM

    u'll mind ur own business. dey r true leader. SL doest deserve true leader like them

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:52 PM

    now the real war has started within, ha ha nice thinks are happening..

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:57 PM

    Mr. Hannadige pray earnestly that this ruthless ruler should be brought in front of justice for all his wrong doings and punished accordingly.

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 06:36 PM

    The UNP must convey this message to whole world!

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 07:11 PM

    We have a long .. long .. way to go mates, before we can truly celebrate our independence!

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 07:15 PM

    Go and hide in the jungle, for a few years!

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 07:15 PM

    Who cares if the UNP boycotts or not?

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 07:19 PM

    Another bad decision by the UNP! Another 5% of votes lost! This day, is not about party politics. It's about all of Sri Lanka being freed from the clutches of the British. Anyway, all those who love this country will be celebrating it, regardless of their own political agendas.

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 07:36 PM

    Now the UNP do not even have any morale to celebrate their independence!

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 08:34 PM

    Karu Jayasuriya has gone to the Mahanayaka Theros with evidence of ballot-rigging. Let's pray and hope that the Theros make a proclamation, for the sake of our country! Otherwise, democracy might as well be cremated, on February 4th!

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:35 PM

    Fool Arokiam, Without knowing the real meaning of Independance, do not utter rubbish

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 09:56 PM

    SF and Ranil, cannot face the people anymore!

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 10:26 PM

    Honestly, people have been brainwashed to such an extent that even when someone points out what's in store for them, in the long run, they are labeled 'traitors'!

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 10:39 PM

    Sour grapes.

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 10:48 PM

    'Where's the freedom?' Good time to ponder.

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 11:15 PM

    Sore losers!

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 11:41 PM

    'Dogs may bark, but the caravan will go'!

    Wednesday, 03 February 2010 12:11 AM

    Independence means that people have the right to act independently. What we see now is only vengeance. The country is going from bad to worse.

    Wednesday, 03 February 2010 12:28 AM

    This decision is correct ... all SF voters would agree!

    Wednesday, 03 February 2010 06:19 AM

    These are all just face saving tactics and this will go on until the general election is over! Then it will die a natural death, till 2017!

    Wednesday, 03 February 2010 06:59 PM

    It is pathetic that the UNP cannot put aside their petty political differences and celebrate 'Independance Day,' as Sri Lankans ...

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 02:45 PM

    they reversed the independence achieved by their founder . by dividing the country . do not deserve a seat in the podium. GOOD MOVE

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 12:47 PM

    Please pray God ask justice. Im sure prayers wil be answered soon and goons will be removed from the political power as this selection is not the choice of the people of Sri Lanka .

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 12:49 PM

    Ok another drama from UNP, because they know for sure people will not turn-up to the party. Why don’t find another SF again

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 01:09 PM

    I feel this is a correct decision. Bcz there is no freedom after this MR came into power.....

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 01:20 PM

    Very Good. This regime should be isolated by the whole world.
    They should be brought to their knees.

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 01:21 PM

    Its about time the opposition becomes strong and bold.

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 01:24 PM

    Who is your next Party leader , ?? Sarath or Ranil ?

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 01:25 PM

    independance is to country not to any person or a ruling party, so please think twice dear u n p frriends

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 01:47 PM

    exactly......

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 01:49 PM

    I think it will be Mr. Bean.... he did better last time...

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 01:50 PM

    Yes! 'Right decision at right time'

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 02:42 PM

    When did they ever genuinely cooperated with govt? Always greedily waiting to capture power at any cost without bringing order to once respected party now destroyed due to poor leadership

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 12:35 PM

    'Right decision at right time'

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:02 PM

    You mean without any human beings except with thugsand goons, is a country.

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:16 PM

    Independence is to the people who live in it. Not to the trees and the stones.

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:19 PM

    Freedom only for Brother Co & Henchmen

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:25 PM

    chintha grow up man do you know whats happaning in your country really....

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:25 PM

    we are at a loss to understand why Ranil allow people like
    Tissa to issue statements like above and ruin what is left
    of the grand old party. Biggest damage was done by you
    know who.

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:29 PM

    What independence we have in this country? So whats there to celebrate with so much of pom and pagendry?

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:31 PM

    Mahinda !

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:32 PM

    Not only UNP
    Whole Nation must do it

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:33 PM

    this is the only good decision you took sofar,please boy cott all elections,parliments etc ,untill we really feel our freedom

    Tuesday, 02 February 2010 03:34 PM

    First get independence from JVP !.


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