Let Us Stand Up For Comrade Kumar Gunaratnam's Political Rights -In Sri Lanka

- Feb 07, 2016

Current Sri Lankan government of Maithree – Wickremasinghe are proving day by day that they have failed to deliver the promises made prior to the election. Their main slogan against the Rajapakse regime was to establish democracy in the country which was blatantly denied to the people of Sri Lanka by the previous government. But now they have done no justice to the political prisoners, disappearances and political victims. They have failed to bring to justice anyone responsible of shooting at Rathupaswala and they are keeping a silence stance on Lasantha Wickremasinghe and Prageeth Ekneligoda case. No investigation is conducted on Lalith-Kuhan disappearance and failed to arrest anyone responsible. At the same time current government has no hesitation to unleash violence against the students, workers, farmers and youth who fight democratically to win their rights. This has been proved at Kotakethana, Meethotamulla, Bandagiriya, Dambulla and Jaffna. 

Fate of the people who fled country including comrade Kumar Gunaratnam due to suppression is remain same. Open request made to the people fled the country to return has now been only applicable to their friends who accept their policies. Others have been denied the right while Arjun Mahendran was granted citizenship in 24 hours and made him the Central Bank governor. What is their policy on comrade Kumar Gunaratnam? He was born and bred in Sri Lanka and also had his primary, secondary and university education in Sri Lanka. He engaged in Sri Lankan politics since 1981 and had to flee the country due to the same reason. His request of granting him Sri Lankan citizenship and allow him to engage in Sri Lankan politics could not be challenged by any right minded person. That is the justice. It is very clear that the reason for rejecting his application is due to the fact that he is involving in Frontline Socialist Party politics which oppose government ruling policies and party is actively in a struggle against the government to safeguard and win right of the people who denied them by the current government as well.

Democracy is not giving rights to the people who agree with them but accept the right of anyone who oppose your views. Comrade Kumar Gunaratnam example is good enough to understand Maithree-Wickremasinghe government is not working on that direction. It’s been over 60 days for the agitation in front of the Fort Railway station which demand comrade Kumar Gunaratnam’s political rights and nearly 3 months him been detained in remand custody. Government at least so far failed to disclose their policy on this matter. We need to oppose and denounce this policy of the government. History has repeatedly proved that people will not win our rights without a fight. Let us join hands to protect and win our rights. We request you to join and add your strength in our struggle.

Establish Kumar Gunarathnam’s political rights !!!!
Stop political harassments !!!!
Keep all election promises made regarding democracy !!!!

Frontline Socialist Party
UK Committee