Gota and Anura to arrest protestors to cover their mess

Tuesday, 18 February 2014 

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Senior DIG Anura Senanayake are faced with an unexpected situation following the protest by residents in Wanathamulla on Saturday demanding the release of the abducted resident and refusing to vacate their houses according to an order by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).

The resident, Samaraweera Sunil, was abducted a day after Gotabhaya and another Army senior had threatened him. When the residents took to the streets demanding Sunil’s release, Senanayake asked for some time from the residents assuring them that Sunil will be released.

Even UPFA MP Duminda Silva who visited the site of the protest was chased away by the protesters.

All these exposed the role played by the country’s defence establishment in the abduction.

However, the people’s power prevailed and Sunil was released unharmed.

Nevertheless, the humiliation was too much for Gotabhaya to bear and he has now ordered Senanayake to hold an “inquiry” and arrest the persons involved in the protest.

The government on the other hand using the issue to sling mud at the opposition parties claiming the abduction was stage managed.

Confrontation between Sihala Ravaya monks and laity 
 February 18, 2014 

A confrontation had reportedly taken place between the monks representing the Sihala Ravaya (SR) and some lay persons a short while ago, in the vicinity of the Fort Railway Station, Colombo 11, where monks who are members of the SR are participating in a satyagraha, reliable sources said.


Members of the Sihala Ravaya had launched a protest against the slaughter of cattle, and are expecting a written pledge from the President that cattle slaughter will be banned, island wide.