Joint opposition to agitate during CHOGM

By Niranjala Ariyawansha-Tuesday, 29 Oct 2013

The joint opposition is to launch a series of anti-government agitation campaigns during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) next month, the Leader of the Nawa Sama Samaja Party (NSSP), Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne, said. "We are planning to enlighten the visiting dignitaries on the 'real' situation in the country," he said, emphasizing that their aim was to provide better living conditions for the people of Sri Lanka, by revealing the truth about the government's suppression and its racist policies to the world.

"World leaders who are visiting the country should know what is actually happening. Especially India and its people should know what the people in their neighbouring island are going through. We have a right to protest and we are not ready to compromise our right to protest just because of the summit," he asserted.

The NSSP Leader insisted that the security plan that would be in place for CHOGM will in no way hamper their planned activities. He added that they have chosen a venue in the Kotte area to hold a series of protest campaigns, as well as an art exhibition and many discussions that are also scheduled to be held under the aegis of the protest campaign.

"In addition, we will hold a candlelight vigil in memory of those who have gone missing. We plan to walk in a procession towards Independent Square on 14 November evening, as part of our agitation against the government's suppression," Dr. Karunaratne further said.

He went on to say that these events will be organized for only those who are concerned about the human rights situation in the country. As such, it will be open to representatives of the heads of state, diplomats, civil society organizations, trade unions, opposition politicians and media personnel.