Karu condemns arson attack on Ranil’s residence

• Calls for those responsible to be brought before the law

 Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice Karu Jayasuriya condemned the arson attack on the private residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Issuing a statement, he said, “We are deeply shocked and saddened by two barbaric incidents that were reported during the massive citizen’s protests carried out for the sake of democracy and the freedom of the people. Namely, the brutal attack on a group of journalists including a female reporter of Sirasa TV by several STF personnel and the torching of the personal residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe by a group of persons, leading to its destruction.

Both these incidents are abhorrent and contemptible acts in the eyes of any civilised society.  Therefore, we strongly and unequivocally condemn both incidents. We also call for those responsible to be brought before the law, regardless of their status or standing. It is important that the Chiefs of the Police Special Task Force act immediately and take necessary disciplinary action against the concerned officers.
In order to find a solution to the massive political and economic as well as social crisis in the country today, it is extremely important to educate the public about it. The media has a significant role to play in this regard. We wish the group of journalists who are currently undergoing treatment a speedy recovery and thank Sirasa TV and the entire media community for their continued service and reportage.

We also strongly condemn the torching of the private residence belonging to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Dissent must be given its due respect in democratic politics. A society that does not accept the right to have a different political opinion cannot expect a better future.

Therefore on behalf of our future generations, we as a society must ensure such incidents are not repeated going forward. We hope the entire society takes note of this. Meanwhile, it is also important to find out if there are any hidden elements behind this incident. Our sole objective is to see the country return to normalcy. We would like to therefore respectfully point out that Parliament as well as the entire society has a national responsibility to ensure this. 

• Our sole objective is to see the country return to normalcy. We would  like to therefore respectfully point out that Parliament as well as the  entire society has a national responsibility to ensure this