Audio: Child abusers are like stray dogs - Minister

7 July 2012 12:33 am

United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary Susil Premajayantha yesterday described those involved in child abuse as stray dogs.
He said UPFA politicians found guilty of having committed crime, corruption or fraud would be severely dealt with.

Referring to the arrest of a Tangalle UPFA Pradeshiya Sabha member and four others on charges of having raped a 14-year-old girl, the minister said the UPFA was deeply concerned about what was alleged to have happened.

“I do not understand what’s wrong with these people. Like me several SLFP members have been involved in politics for several decades without having to face such allegations. But of late we are witnessing many crimes allegedly committed by UPFA politicians and this will tarnish the reputation of the party.

This must be stopped and strict disciplinary action taken not only against those who are convicted in Court but also those against whom legal action is pending,” the minister said.

He said UPFA member who is convicted in a court of law would be sacked from the party and from all posts held by such a member either in the party or in the government.

The minister said such members would not be given nominations to contest elections to parliament, provincial councils or pradeshiya sabhas.

He added that members with a clean sheet in politics and in their personal lives will be given priority when the UPFA interviews candidates for nominations to contest the forthcoming elections to the Sabaragamuwa, North-Central and Eastern Provincial Councils. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)