• Says the operation should not be used as a political tool

By Yohan Perera   

Government as a whole and the police should handle the  Yukthiya operation with diligence to avoid international intervention  which could lead to its end, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Tissa  Attanayake said yesterday.   

“The operation which is a good one, should be handled with  care as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has  already focused on it. It has already voiced its concern saying it has led to violation of human rights. This could cause a fresh  problem for the country,” Mr. Attanayake told a briefing   
The OHCHR said on Friday it was very concerned over Sri  Lanka’s adoption of a “heavily security-based response” as a means of  tackling illegal drug abuse. Its Spokesperson Liz Throssell alleged that  some of the 29,000 people have reportedly been arrested on drug-related  charges since December 17 have alleged that they have been ill-treated  or tortured.   

“We won’t oppose the Yukthiya operation, as apprehending  drug traffickers is a good thing. However, it should not become a fresh  issue to the country. Also, it should not be used as a political tool,”  he added.   

Referring to the political developments, the SJB National  Organizer said his party is in the process of appointing a committee to  handle talks with other parties to form an alliance. “Our working  committee has given its approval for our party leader Sajith Premadasa  to form an alliance with other parties. He is now in the process of  appointing a committee to talk to other parties. Our candidate will be Mr.  Premadasa. We hope that he will pose a huge challenge to incumbent  President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the next Presidential Election,” Mr.  Attanayake said.