Some military heads were trying to stage a coup amidst aragalaya in 2022

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Colombo, August 07 (Daily Mirror) - Some heads of the military were trying to stage a coup during the Aragalaya in 2022 and wanted the political leaders to give way for the same, MP Madhura Withanage told Parliament today.

“Did these military leaders tell you to keep away during the aragalaya,” he questioned Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.

“Military leaders in Sri Lanka and the defense hierarchy could not safeguard the Head of State in 2022,” he added.

MP Withanage, who critisised the then Army Commander Shawendra Silva, said the latter refused to protect the private residence of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in March 2022.

“Former President Rajapaksa called me and informed the Army Commander to tighten security in Mirihana. I told Shavendra to block roads that lead to Mirihana by parking military vehicles. However, Silva refused and told me to get our own people to attack the protesters. Shevendra told me that the military cannot interfere in political matters,” the MP said.

Also, he attacked NPP seniors and alleged that former MP Sunil Handunetti wanted Sri Lankan people to come and take over Parliament in 2022. 

“Even Lal Kantha has said the protesters in 2022 have not achieved anything by removing the former President from office. This implies what they intended to do,” he said.