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Two ruling party MPs- Wijesiri Basnayake of Kurunegala and Ajith Gihan of Puttalam- came under mob violence when they came out in their separate vehicles after a meeting with the management of an apparel factory in the Bingiriya area.
According to video footage of the scene now doing the rounds on social media, the angry crowd of people who thronged at the gate of the factory hurled abuses at the two MPs while banging on their vehicles. The video footage that captures the intensity of the moment shows members of the mob using abusive language.
The situation worsened further as some members of the mob attempted to forcibly pull the MPs out of their vehicles. The vehicles bore the brunt of the mob's fury.
After the incident, MP Basnayake who described the experience said the angry individuals first laid siege to the vehicles of his colleague and then to his one.
“We went to meet the management of this factory and discussed about facilities and what we, as the government, can do. We discussed about employment opportunities generated and to be generated with their new investment plans. We also asked about transport facilities. They are planning for expansion of their investments. We had a cordial discussion,” he told Daily Mirror.
He said, “When we came out, a large number of people had thronged at the entrance gate. My colleague’s vehicle was mobbed by them. Confrontation lasted for about 10-15 minutes. Then, they banged on my vehicle that came behind. They tried to open the door forcefully and pull me out. One of them pulled the window shutter down and punched me in the chest. He tried to grab me by my shirt.”
Asked about the reason for the angry reaction, he said, “Transport services to employees of this factory are provided by private players. The company has outsourced it to another organisation which hires vehicles from different agents in the area. Huge commissions are involved in this lucrative business which thrived under the politicians of some parties in the past. We wanted to prevent this commission-making and save money for the welfare of all in the area,”
A complaint has been lodged with the Police ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police) in Kuliyapitiya against the mob for the obstruction of their duties as parliamentarians.
Don Tuesday, 31 December 2024 07:41 AM
This happens when you come to power through violence
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Dr. Dee Tuesday, 31 December 2024 07:43 AM
Henceforth, security would be ‘beefed up’ ! There goes the fairy Norway minister stories about how politicians should go supermarket shopping without security! And get down from vehicles alone to greet people (whilst the convoy of 6-7 security vehicles follow at a distance)
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A Supporter of NPP Thursday, 02 January 2025 11:45 AM
There is no need to beef up security for MPs so long as they do not try interfering with areas that they have no jurisdiction. These two jokers had gone to a Private Company. One MP from Puttalam District had no business in interfering with affairs of a Private Company at Bingiriya in Kurunegala District. Other one although he is an MP from Kurunegala, he too was interfering affairs of a Private Company. The reason? To arrange Commissions of Transport Operators, pay in this Private Company to be given to JVP Unionists. That was the reason why they had a tough time while in this Private Company. NPP must remove these jokers from the party.
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Namal W Tuesday, 31 December 2024 07:44 AM
A country where even the toilet is politicized. Where are all those so called religious leaders who are supposed to preach to people and put them in correct path. A country full of mee-harak.
5 89
Manora Tuesday, 31 December 2024 07:49 AM
The agenda of the MPs is not clear. But leave business alone. The company decides about investment and recruitments. MPs shall not interfere with such decisions. What MPs could do is to create a condusive environment for businesses. MPs cannot force businesses to recruit workers. Please understand that government does not interfere private businesses. If business have difficulties they can go the relevant ministries. Hence, what the MPs are doing is not good for creating a condusive business environment. You send wrong signals to foreign investors. If there are bribe taking, get the police to act rather than individuals MPs going and discussing these matters. You have no authority to do so. Leave business alone.
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STOP ACTING LIKE THUGS AND ALLOW THE GOVT TO GOVERN AND THE FACTORY MANAGEMENT TO HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THOSE OF THEIR CHOICE. Tuesday, 31 December 2024 12:32 PM
MANORA, LETS TAKE THE TWO OBVIOUS MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE. 1) TRANSPORT, LOOKS LIKE THE COMPANY HAS CONTRACTED TRANSPORT TO PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS/COMPANIES. 2) INVESTMENT, MAYBE IT IS A POSSIBILITY TO SEE IF A PUBLIC SERVICE ROUTE CAN BE SET UP, SO TRAVEL CHARGES ARE BROUGHT DOWN. AS FOR INVESTMENTS, COMPANIES USUALLY IN TIME OF NEED ESPECIALLY SMALL BUSINESSES MAY NEED SOME FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM GOVT EG. INTEREST FREE LOANS AND OR LOW INTEREST. I BET MANORA WAS IN A INDUCED COMA AND OR SELF INFLICTED WHEN PREVIOUS GOVT/S ESPECIALLY THE RAJAPASKES USED STOOGES AND OR INDIRECTLY POKED THEIR NOSES INTO ANY BUSINESS IN OR OUT OF THE COUNTRY THAT ASSISTED THEM IN FEATHERING THEIR NESTS!!. IF SOME OF YOU DISGRUNTLED VOTERS WERE HALF AS UPFRONT IN MAKING COMMENTS AS IS READ, WE THE PEOPLE WOULD NOT HAVE ENSED UP WITH A BANKRUPT COUNTRY AND MILLIONS OF US STRUGGLING LIKE NO OTHER TIME IN OUR HISTORY. SOME OF YOU NEED TO BE CURSING AND SWEARING AT THE WIPED OUT CORRUPT POLITICIANS!!.
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Raj Tuesday, 31 December 2024 07:58 AM
Issue here is NPP not taking actions against those who involved in corruption in past. They got to bring these corrupt individuals before courts and put them behind bars. And also people need to change to accept some disadvantages in the transition. People are so used to free stuffs since they born due to corruption.
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PRAYERS/MIRACLES BROUGHT IN OUR PRESIDENT AND HIS PARTY, WHO NOW HAVE TO WORK HARD TO IMPLEMENT THEIR MANIFESTO AND ALSO ATTEND TO MATTERS, ISSUES THAT ARISE ALONG THEIR JOURNEY IN GOVERNING THEIR 5 Y Tuesday, 31 December 2024 12:38 PM
RAJ, THE GOVT IS MOVING ON ALL CORRUPTION CASES THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF AND OR COME TO THEIR ATTENTION FROM TIME TO TIME. AS FOR BRINGING THE CORRUPT BEFORE A COURT OF LAW HAS A PROCEDURE WHICH HAS TO BE FOLLOWED. ANY CORRUPT CHARGE HAS TO BE PRESENTED WITH FACTS AND FIGURES ETC. UNFORTUNATELY, NO ONE CAN SIMPLY GET PEOPLE ARRESTED AND THROWN INTO JAIL ON HERESAY. HAVE PATIENCE THREE MONTHS SIMPLY CANNOT WORK WONDERS AND OR MIRACLES.
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John Fernando Tuesday, 31 December 2024 07:59 AM
Well done MPs by risking their lives (if the MPs even try to protect themselves then media and past clown politicians blame these MPs to use their power), it is time to investigate these corrpoted thugs from top to bottom, must be some higher past politician behind these instigation. Need to investigate impartially and bring this industry corruption free. Need to punish these thugs through legal system.
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LMAO Tuesday, 31 December 2024 03:38 PM
Oh yes, it's always a "past politician" or "the Opposition" who is to blame!!
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RanjithT Tuesday, 31 December 2024 08:05 AM
What a set of amateurs are these MPs? They have no idea how the garment sector factories work. Except for few most are a part of large groups and the local management has no say on corporate decisions. I quote. "....went to meet the management of this factory and discussed about facilities and what we, as the government, can do. We discussed about employment opportunities generated and to be generated with their new investment plans. We also asked about transport facilities. They are planning for expansion of their investments....” Unquote. Isn't it funny that they discuss facilities which are a part and parcel of corporate decisions. Lack of knowledge and common sense. Then comes the real fruit. I quote. " “Transport services to employees of this factory are provided by private players. The company has outsourced it to another organization which hires vehicles...We wanted to prevent this commission-making and save money for the welfare of all in the area,” How stupid?
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Rip Winkle Tuesday, 31 December 2024 08:05 AM
Hmm. Seems like he wanted a piece of the pie. Also interesting is how the cops just stood and watched.
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HOPE THIS INCIDENT IS NOT SWEPT UNDER THE CARPET. WE THE PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW WHAT THIS ALL WAS ABOUT AND AS FOR THE THUGS, THEY DESERVE TIME BEHIND BARS. Tuesday, 31 December 2024 12:53 PM
MORE INTERESTING OF HOW THE POLICE RESPONDED, LOOKED LIKE SOME OF THEM WERE WATCHING A FREE GOVT MOVIE, LIKE THEY USED TO HAVE DECADES AGO. GOT TO BE A SET UP INCIDENT.
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Victor Tuesday, 31 December 2024 08:06 AM
The government is only a few months old. The law should not be allowed to be taken by a few individuals who believe force or violence is the way forward. It is time to show them they can table their concerns in a civilised manner. The government must not give in otherwise they too will need protection like the old times which the people voted out
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M Fernando Tuesday, 31 December 2024 08:10 AM
RW and the local SLPP Chapter has organised the local thugs for a Social Media drama ! Willing to bet that not a single one of the mob is actually working at this factory or makes use of the transport facilities. !
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HOPE GOVTS LEGAL ADVISORS ARE AT WORK Tuesday, 31 December 2024 12:56 PM
M FERNANDO, I AM CERTAIN MAJORTY READING THIS WOULD WILL AGREE WITH YOU, THOUGH MOST READERS DO NOT COMMENT.
2 1
LMAO Tuesday, 31 December 2024 03:44 PM
Ah, there we go! Was expecting one of the cult members of the NPP (aka ASP - All Saints Part) to rush to the defence of their God's and pin the blame on the Opposition, RW, etc, etc. So very, very, predictable.
3 3
When will it change? Tuesday, 31 December 2024 08:19 AM
Every country has intellectuals and idiots. The difference between nations is the difference in the ratios. Unfortunately, in SL the later is much higher than a tolerable level. That's the reason the country is struggling to forge ahead. SL will remain a perpetually developing nation.
0 44
Grace Tuesday, 31 December 2024 08:27 AM
We have heard of NPP tsunami. Now the tsunami is turning into a fire storm.
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ronikailadasa Tuesday, 31 December 2024 08:32 AM
For the gallery the NPP members are walking to work walking to supermarkets. How come in reality these guys are using high class vehicles. This drama is good for their May Day propaganda.
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M Fernando Tuesday, 31 December 2024 08:10 PM
How many times have you walked from Colombo to Kuliyapitiya ? You have a really low-bar for what is a "high class" vehicle. ! These so called "mob" or "protesters" have all the hallmarks of a Johnston Fernando operation !
2 2
LMAO Wednesday, 01 January 2025 12:37 AM
Seems you know Johnston pretty well to be able to make such a confident statement. Please report your evidence to the CID with further delay.
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Yohan Tuesday, 31 December 2024 08:59 AM
These two npp mps say they went to solve problems at a pvt ltd company. These mps do not have such powers to intervane into a pvt companies matter. If such problems exists, only the officials of various gov institutions have powers to take action not these two idiots. It seema these two either came to get bribes from the company or the two tried to get the transport contract to their henchaman. Anura should sack both of them, if npp want to stay in power or else people will not resist this kind of beheviour from these kinds of mps
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GABRIELLA Tuesday, 31 December 2024 09:11 AM
The police have had their hands shackeld. This sort of behaviour has to be eliminated by " heavy hands".
7 21
Loyal Tuesday, 31 December 2024 09:13 AM
What NPP/JVP did in the past in different ways comes back to them—that's the essence of karma.
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KARMA COMES IN DIFFERENT SHAPES AND FORMS Tuesday, 31 December 2024 04:19 PM
LOYAL, WHAT MORE BIGGER KARMA THAN THE RECENT TWO ELECTIONS, THAT WAS KARMA TO LAST DECADES IN ORDER THAT THE COUNTRY CAN HAVE MORE MONEY IN ITS TREASURY THAN THE COUNTRY HAS HAD SINCE INDEPENDENCE.
1 0
Anton Weerasinghe Tuesday, 31 December 2024 09:30 AM
All politicians are same, no difference < they preach something and practice different things.
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Jude Tuesday, 31 December 2024 09:45 AM
What is opposition leader Sajith Premadasa upto These days!????
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Gona Tuesday, 31 December 2024 09:51 AM
This clearly displays the weakness of NPP leader.
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Upulpb Tuesday, 31 December 2024 10:30 AM
It is very difficult to break the transport mafia created by Political goons at the Airport and areas where factories are located. Same goes with regard to three wheeler operations too.
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Adwani Tuesday, 31 December 2024 10:45 AM
You need an iron fist to control them. The mobs are always there to destroy anything. It was those mobs who set fire to Tamil communities homes, houses, etc. thus a beast was born in the clothing of Tiger to teach lessons to those mobs. Failure to arrest them will make more violent in the future.
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Ram P Tuesday, 31 December 2024 10:49 AM
The defeated MPs in the area could be behind this incident. They are the ones who are likely to lose business/kappan etc if transport issues are streatlined
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GONE WITH THE WIND Tuesday, 31 December 2024 04:24 PM
EXACTLY RAM, ONLY A FEW OF US THINK BEYOND OUR NOSES AND OUTSIDE THE SQUARE. OTHERS ARE ALL DISGRUNTLED VOTERS REFUSING TO ADMIT THE EARA OF POLITICS TO THEIR CORRUPT PART/S ARE GONE WITH THE WIND.
2 2
suresh olagama Tuesday, 31 December 2024 11:14 AM
why is the Ruling party MP's Involved in the affairs of a private enterprise...its not their business .. this is bullshit... party seniors please take note of this and take appropriate action
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Asrar Tuesday, 31 December 2024 11:17 AM
During අරගලය time the same thing happened to outside people by inside people in the vehicle
2 14
james Tuesday, 31 December 2024 11:18 AM
good
3 13
dinesh Tuesday, 31 December 2024 11:28 AM
duties of parliamentarians does not include looking into transportation services of private garment factories. This nonsense needs to stop fast, these fools need to be told what their job description is...
3 43
Sunil Tuesday, 31 December 2024 11:48 AM
NPP must get to the bottom of this matter and see what these MPs were upto - whether genuine meeting with constituents and businesses or something else.
1 41
Prof N Jayatissa Tuesday, 31 December 2024 12:25 PM
They were not JVPers but were from NPP
0 0
A Concerned Citizen Tuesday, 31 December 2024 12:40 PM
This angry mob should have used their brain and allow these 2 MPs to come in and discuss with the management and allow them to earn some Commissions and allow their stooges to get involved in the transport. Just because an NPP Government is elected that does not mean the country is free of corruption and commissions.
2 2
TWO SIDES TO EVER COMPANY THAT HAS FOREIGN JOINT OWNERSHIP AND THERE ARE ISSUES GOVT COULD ASSIST WITH AND OTHERS LEFT TO THE LOCAL PARTY TO MAKE HIS/HER OWN DECISION WITH LEGAL ADVICE. Tuesday, 31 December 2024 12:50 PM
RANJITH T, WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THE 2 MINISTERS SIMPLY ROLLED UP TO MEET WITH THE MANAGEMENT!!. WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN REQUESTED BY THE MANAGEMENT. JUST BECAUSE FOREIGN INVESTORS ARE OR MAYBE INVOLVED IN FACTORIES AND OR PRODUCTION JOINTLY, THIS DOES NOT MEAN THE LOCAL PARTNER AND OR WORKERS CANNOT REACH OUT TO GOVT IN THEIR HR OF NEED. DO NOT JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS WITHOUT KNOWS FACTS AND FIGURES, WHICH ARE OBVIOUSLY NOT CLEAR IN THIS ARTICLE TO THE FULL EXTEND.
2 0
Supporter of Commissions Tuesday, 31 December 2024 01:09 PM
These two MPs must return to that company once again and continue their good work. They must insist that any commission must be given to supporters of NPP.
2 0
A Supporter of NPP Thursday, 02 January 2025 04:59 AM
It is obvious that these 2 MPs went to this company with dubious intentions. These Jokers had no business to interfere with the affairs of Private Business. NPP MUST remove them from the membership of the party.
0 2
A Concerned Citizen Thursday, 02 January 2025 09:03 AM
How dare you say some money offered by Transport Operators must be given to NPP supporters?
0 1
Abc Tuesday, 31 December 2024 01:19 PM
They are going inside of private sector institutes to shoot troubles. We struggle months to TDL vi's Sri lanka tourboard. Its like Angoda hospital. Why don't u go their and shoot problems. They says over 5000 files held up n nobody to collect tax ove multy millions
0 1
lion Tuesday, 31 December 2024 03:17 PM
This should be probed by the police, there must be politicians who were defeated behind this whole episode. If this has happened under previous governments, those who were involved may be in the hospital after sever beating by the police.
2 1
Terrence K Tuesday, 31 December 2024 03:40 PM
All politicians should understand their terms of reference without encroaching into things that do not come under their purview. All private organizations have laid down policies pertaining to their employees conveniences, safety etc and these politicies are closely monitored by the buying companies for compliance. These NPP fellows are busy bodies instead of minding their own business they try to contribute their two cents worth and at last create havoce in the smooth functioning of these organizations!!!!!
0 5
LMAO Tuesday, 31 December 2024 03:40 PM
Why are members of parliament having direct discussions with individual businesses on matters which are purely for the business to decide on - recruitment, transport facilities for staff, etc.
0 4
WAITING FOR GOVT'S SIDE OF THE STORY Tuesday, 31 December 2024 04:28 PM
WE WILL SOON HEAR OF A RESPONSE FROM THE GOVT.
0 1
Mizzz Tuesday, 31 December 2024 04:41 PM
The fact of the matter is people attacked, hurled abuse and caused damage to government vehicles. This can't be accepted , If we resort to violence then we might as well got back to having a civil war again with all ethnicities. We can't move forward as a country if there is a no law and order and it has to start now
4 1
Patcitz Tuesday, 31 December 2024 05:24 PM
Corrupt politicians in the past doing CORRUPT things in the past slipping the grip on NPP being elected by the mandate of the very public, are trying to destabilize the smooth process of AKD's regime, resulting in such a maneuvered plot against the MPs who visited the area.
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A Concerned Citizen Thursday, 02 January 2025 08:07 AM
These two MPs, one from another district have no mandate to interfere with the management of a private company. It is clear that from the allegation made by MPs that the transport operators are giving huge commissions to organizers of transport in the company and the intention of the MPs was to allow commissions to flow to their henchmen (JVP Stooges) in the company. These 2 MPs are bringing a very bad name to the ruling NPP.
0 2
Soori Maripalan Tuesday, 31 December 2024 06:37 PM
Too much talking without actions will result such things! People are expecting actions agaist the thieves, bribemen, Banku Horas as soon as possible! Where are those bundles of files with evidence?
1 4
Nimal R Tuesday, 31 December 2024 06:50 PM
I don't think that the two MPs were there for any mischievous act. The thugs would have been organised by the previous government's corrupt politicians. Best is to enquire the management of the company to find out the truth.
8 1
Dr Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 31 December 2024 08:19 PM
This kind of violence should not be tolerated although the NPP was doing it in the past against their opponents.
2 2
wickrama Wijayasiri Tuesday, 31 December 2024 08:43 PM
Some of the comments are appropriate. MP's have no business to visit factories to discuss their 'business'. If they need to they could visit the MP or the Minister to discuss as to how the state could help for them to improve their enterprises. Any irregularities observed or reported should be investigated by the proper authority, but not the MP or the Minister. MP's are neither law enforcement nor investigators of irregularities. The leadership should instill these principles on their party operations and code of conduct for elected members.
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A Concerned Citizen Wednesday, 01 January 2025 02:22 AM
It is obvious that these 2 MPs(one from another district) have gone to this private company with selfish intentions. As Yohan and most of the other commentators with have gone and met the management of a private company with dubious and selfish interntions and received the tratment they deserve. The President AKD and other NPP Leaders have no option but to remove these two MPs from the membership of NPP. If the President and NPP Leaders do not take this action, NPP will suffer very badly in the next election.
0 6
A Disgusted NPP Supporter Wednesday, 01 January 2025 02:40 AM
Considering the damage done to the ruling party by these 2 MPs, the NPP hierarchy has no option but to remove them from the party.
0 4
Jeanne Wednesday, 01 January 2025 04:43 AM
Let the games begin!!! What the heck did the JVP/NPP think was going to happen when they came into power? No clear strategies, just chasing after bribery and corruption cases and individuals like mad people while the country's working class are still waiting for some plan for their respite from hardships. Jokers!
1 5
A Supporter of NPP Wednesday, 01 January 2025 12:25 PM
It is clear why the two MPs went to this company. They wanted to have the transport system managed by the JVP trade union leaders so that the union leaders could receive large commissions from transport operators. MPs, especially have no reason to interfere with private business. NPP leaders must remove these two MPs from the NPP.
0 6
EMILY JOACK Wednesday, 01 January 2025 05:47 PM
the two mp's must understand that the SLPP time is over and will never com back , we are on path to a developed country
1 0
ANNE CUNT Wednesday, 01 January 2025 05:55 PM
NAMAL says Dr is a better title than a lawyer, so he is Dr NAMAL RAJAPAKSA NOW
0 0
EMILY JOACK Thursday, 02 January 2025 02:27 PM
NOT Dr NAMAL RAJAPAKSA it is Dr NAMAL BORUPAKSA also remember to call him 'SIR'
0 1
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