2 February 2010 12:27 pm
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.