Audio: 72-year-old man in a fiery protest

02 Sep 2014 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A 72-year-old man was admitted to the National Hospital with burn injuries after he set himself on fire outside the Kollupitiya police station this morning in protest over the attacks on Sri Lanka by former UNHRC Chief Navi Pillay, the police said.

Hospital authorities confirmed that victim Piyasena, a resident of Pannipitiya was in a critical condition with burn injuries on 75% of his body.

The victim reportedly a retired soldier said he decided to set himself on fire over moves by the US embassy, Navi Pillay, Nimalka Fernando and Mangala Samaraweera who were attempting to tarnish Sri Lanka’s image.

“These individuals are a curse to our country, I did this to myself as a protest and for the sake of my motherland,” he said from his hospital bed.

Piyasena said he had first tried to set himself on fire outside the US Embassy in Kollupitiya, but later he had to move towards the Kollupitiya Police station after the policemen on duty prevented him from moving around on the road there.

He said he had retired from the army after 22 years of service.

Meanwhile, a sealed letter, which was found in his possession, was taken into police custody for further inquiries.

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Audio: 72-year-old man in a fiery protest

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