Arrest of MP Ponnambalam - Police have done nothing wrong: Alles

8 June 2023 06:12 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Police officers have done nothing wrong in arresting MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam as he was holding a meeting near a GCE Ordinary Level examination coordination centre, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles said today.

“The two officers who had come to the location where the MP was having a meeting had established their identity and showed their identity cards as well. However, the MP had tried to manhandle them. Also, the MP had used abusive language,” the Minister said.

“I will table all the video clips to the House once I get everything,” the Minister said.

However, an argument flared up when MP Ponnambalam objected to the statement and said he cannot accept anyone as police officers unless they showed an identity card.

The Minister said the MP had not attended Parliament on June 6 though he had come to Colombo to attend House sessions.

MP Ponnambalam who interrupted at this point said he did come to Parliament at 5 pm and handed over a written privilege issue.
“I handed over the privilege issue as no one can stop an MP from attending Parliament,” he said.

MP Mohammed Muzammil who joined the cross talk said valuable time of Parliament was being wasted on communal politics.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana who intervened said the matter cannot be discussed in the House as it has now gone to legal authorities. “MPs should act with restraint,” he said. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)

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Comments - 12

Leo Thursday, 08 June 2023 06:58 PM

There is unbelievable pressure when a politician belonging minority sections are apprehended.

All video footage from all points of view must come to light Thursday, 08 June 2023 09:44 PM

There are two very contrasting views about the matter. Until all the various video footage comes to light there are just accusation and allegations and possible false arrest only. When will all the video be made available, or is that just deceit by the Minister?

Mandayan Thursday, 08 June 2023 10:21 PM

Did the minster followed what the court said when KP was produced? There wasn’t a case to arrest the MP in that way and court didn’t ask the police to do so either. So the minster should explain who pressured the police to do so? MP says men in civic shown the gun, panicking he could be killed like his father, he asked him to identify him which he refused and ran away only to be caught by MP. Can the minister explain this?

Kumara Thursday, 08 June 2023 10:39 PM

1. No examination was held at the time of incident. Which was about 3.30pm. 2. Why was an MP arrested while going to parliament to make a statement about this incident. This is illegal. This episode proves again the arrogance of the honorable minister and his police force. The people of North and East have still live in fear of the armed forces. They do not deserve to be stationed there.

Mohan Friday, 09 June 2023 08:43 AM

Is there any law in this country that says a meeting cannot be held near a GCE Ordinary Level examination coordination Centre?

Gamini Friday, 09 June 2023 08:44 AM

First they said he used foul language (the language most MP's use inside parliament) and now saying held a meeting near a GCE Ordinary Level examination coordination Centre. Looks like they are trying to find a reason for the arrest after arresting

VJ Friday, 09 June 2023 08:52 AM

Before the truth is established, whether the police were right or wrong, whether the actions of the MP warranted arrest, political leaders with a racist mindset would have achieved their goals. Just like in the case of the doctor from Kurunagala. Z

anura hettiarachchi Friday, 09 June 2023 09:07 AM

Of Course, there is no wrong SL police does. you do not need to make any announcement. We trust our police force.

Jacoob in disguise videoing Friday, 09 June 2023 09:20 AM

What a joke. The MP did not conduct a meeting but he merely meeting with his people. The Security guys in disguise came there in a motorbike making a big noise near an examination center , and started taking video. When asked about their identity , they took upper hand / To regain paradise , the folks still have to join several queues , sorry guys ..

Neel bro Friday, 09 June 2023 11:45 AM

Yes, it's crystal clear this has happened due to the police behaviour, the official just show the power infront of the people who is with the this MP , they are not followed the proper rules how to approach the security personnel with civil dresses, and other way the MP also knows the how the things is going , according to me arrested is not reasonable. However we have doubt about the Law and order in this country.

Jackson S. - Senior Journalist Friday, 09 June 2023 10:00 AM

Mr. Minister, be honest and stand for the righteousness without uttering lies in the Parliament. Well, even if MP Ponnambalam would have done something wrong you should have called him and politely talked to him as he is also an educated guy than you.

Keith Giles Saturday, 10 June 2023 10:48 PM

Looks like Srilankan police force is an institutionally politically motivated front line organisation in srilanka

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Arrest of MP Ponnambalam - Police have done nothing wrong: Alles

Comments - 12

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