Election-night coup attempt was a fact -- Champika

23 January 2015 03:04 am - 24 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said the attempt by the Rajapaksas to stage an 'election night coup', that sought to tamper with the election results and seize power using the military, failed due to the vehement objections of lower rank officers.

In an interview with Daily Mirror, the JHU general secretary alleged that the coup, that was hatched at Temple Trees on election night was 'very real' despite the allegations being denied by certain figures linked to the controversy.

"In fact, I can say with assurance that armed rings of military personnel were stationed at various strategic points in Colombo. One ring encircled an area extending from the Wellawatte Bridge to the Kelaniya Bridge. The second ring encircled us, the Opposition politicians, from Sirikotha to the Elections Commissioner’s office and the Royal College and DS Senanayake College counting centres," he said.

He went on to state that this plan was to be implemented by amalgamating ex-military personnel, the armed forces and a political mechanism.

"The Colombo District was divided into 17 sectors and high-level military personnel were appointed to coordinate with the political representatives," the minister said.

He said it was the severe protests of the lower rank officers and the people's movement against the Rajapaksas that was gaining ground, which resulted in the plan falling through.

"They tried to get the Police to call for military intervention but our IGP refused to do that. Jagath Jayasooriya asked the Elections Commissioner to deploy the Army in the so-called 'vulnerable' areas but he refused. That’s how this carnage that was waiting to happen, was avoided. It was definitely not Mahinda Rajapaksa's humble, humane approach," he said. (Lakna Paranamanna)

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Comments - 24

Doba Friday, 23 January 2015 03:13 PM

Ample evidences! Millions worth parrots and dogs are among them.

NAK Saturday, 24 January 2015 03:19 PM

We would like some evidence please. we are now sick of unsubstsnciated allegations and you have no crdibility anymore take your word for it.It would have been one historic coup had it been pulled off which sought the approval of the AG. This whole story was cooked up by the minister misinformation avamangla even before the election.

dinesh Saturday, 24 January 2015 12:05 PM

Before the election he says he got every evidence in his hand relating to the former president and now hes asking public to give evidence to prove his bogus aligations.What a joke.

chino Saturday, 24 January 2015 12:01 PM

furnish the proof!it is easy to accuse but difficult to prove responsibly.

Mano Perera Saturday, 24 January 2015 09:56 AM

Wasting public money that gain true taxing poor people is a criminal act and should put all politicians who rob the poor people for life time in prison or hang the in public. Those politicians and public servants who drag this country to hell all the time should supper for what they did for the fellow citizens. All citizens must make sure these things never happen again.

Banda Saturday, 24 January 2015 08:05 AM

Gammampila named a list of people. Even Cabral was there the then Governor of Central bank discussing curfew and emergency regulations

Karu Saturday, 24 January 2015 03:16 AM

No good in speaking to then audience with the Jupiter finger shown.Why should I be threatened?

Jude Fernando Saturday, 24 January 2015 01:58 AM

Please do not allow anyone accused in the alleged coup leave the country or assume any public office.

Naga Ramalingam Friday, 23 January 2015 10:59 PM

Appoint Champika as the lead prosecutor and witness as he seems to harp on this over and over again. Why not you bring evidence rather than your hollow talk. Get on with your job and do whatever you can within the next 100 days. Time is running out! This allegation is a very serious one, it needs concrete proof and not verbosity.

Crana Friday, 23 January 2015 09:48 PM

Elections commissioner says something completely different. Who are we to believe. I am afraid I do not see a change in political culture. It is the same, even worse. JVP guys said that the fight for ministerial positions was really uncivilized. Is this the new culture? Stop talking and start doing things. We want to see a change in culture, not a continuation of the same.

Dr M.L.Najimudeen Friday, 23 January 2015 03:31 PM

Respectable Professor G.L.Peiris and responsible former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapakshe totally deny the coup attempt and they claim that the meeting was a social gathering.

Cheers Friday, 23 January 2015 03:28 PM

Come with credible facts not with your gut feelings or assumptions

patriot Friday, 23 January 2015 09:07 AM

evident please, too much talking n btw where is the photo of that Rs. 500 million found in Temple tree?

Damsen Friday, 23 January 2015 03:13 PM

You are in power now.Stop talking.Do you want us to take legal action against them

old citizen Friday, 23 January 2015 02:35 PM

If that is so why delay in taking sweeping action?

Gihan perera Friday, 23 January 2015 02:21 PM

WE NEED PROPER INVESTIGATION, WE HAVE RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPEN THAT DAY!

ravi Friday, 23 January 2015 01:54 PM

Pls put out all information including culprits and arrest them ..

eds Friday, 23 January 2015 01:35 PM

Just. About had it with your useless talk. Now time to prove it!

Ron Friday, 23 January 2015 01:18 PM

All this is big game these guys playing marketing pitch is mahind is rogue.dont forget mahind did much to the country.his vison was diffrent than this cheepy liars.

cruso Friday, 23 January 2015 12:00 PM

Mr Champika, We need some action from you all. Gamma says he is not remember CJs present and GL says they discussed about the handing over ect.,etc. We need some proof to bring the culprits to the justice. Good luck.

Punchirala Friday, 23 January 2015 11:08 AM

Evidence is that after the 2010 Presidential elections SF was arrested and sent to jail. It is only one of the many things that could provided as evidence.

bandara Friday, 23 January 2015 11:06 AM

iti gediay thamaiboru kiyanaeke seemawak thiyenna onane

upul Friday, 23 January 2015 11:05 AM

Only talk and do nothing asking people to give reports regarding corruption. Real joker.

AJJAA Friday, 23 January 2015 09:11 AM

true..very true..

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Election-night coup attempt was a fact -- Champika

Comments - 24

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