By Yohan Perera 

Lawyers should prevent the interested parties who try to suppress the rights of the youth who have taken to the streets against the government, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday. 

“You should become a group which counter others who try to suppress the rights of youth who have taken to streets today against the rulers. Safeguard the rule of law. Do not abandon the youth,” Mr. Wijewardene told a group of lawyers whom he met at UNP headquarters Sirikotha yesterday. 

“Government got police to shoot people who demand fuel. It was a UNPer who was shot by the police in Rambukkana. We will fight to mete out justice to him,” he added. 
The SLFP MPs and those who became independent are trying to save the President’s head by only changing the Prime Minister and the cabinet. However, we are of the opinion that both the President and the Prime Minister should resign,” he also said. 

Mr. Wijewardene further alleged that the price of rice has been increased in the guise of imposing a controlled price. “A kilogram of Samba was Rs 100 during our government, whereas the current price is over Rs 250. A kilo of Nadu which was Rs 80 during our time has increased up to Rs 200 today. The cost of living is so high today that it has become impossible to eat a meal which comprises Sambol and rice,” he added. 

He said the minimum bus fare has increased up to Rs 27 which is unbearable to the ordinary people.