Setting up of HSZs is illegal: Sajith

• The SJB will soon take to the streets against these moves

By Yohan Perera   

Whilst alleging that the decision of the government to declare certain areas as high security zones is illegal and cabinet nod had also been given to set up a committee to regulate media, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said his party will soon take to the streets against these moves.   

Speaking at a public gathering in Bandaragama over the weekend, Premadasa said there is no provision provided for setting up high security zones in the Secrets Act. “ Setting up of high security zones are acts of a dictatorship,” Premadasa said.   

“ Cabinet had recently give the nod to set up a committee to regulate and control media. This is also a dictatorial move. Of course there are media institutes which promote fake news (Tom Pacha Madhya) but that does not mean one has to suppress the media,” he added.   

“ We will take to the streets against all these moves in the future,” he stressed.   

Premadasa added that the incumbent President is super bodyguard of Rajapaksa. Some ask me as to why I refused to accept the premiership when it was offered to me. One can therefore understand why I refused to accept the premiership. We don’t want to associate with rogues,” he stressed.