(Summary of views expressed by UNP Gampaha District MP Karu Jayasuriya at a press Conference convened by him relating to the incidents of violence at Weliweriya in the Gampaha district)

This press briefing is convened as a representative of the people of the Gampaha District, regarding the incidents at Rathupaswela, on behalf of the people subjected to suppression.

· Hon. Minister Dallas Alahapperuma has told a media conference held at the headquarters of the Sri Lanka Freedom party, “Although this is an issue regarding water, this was hijacked by a political group”.

· But we appear here for the people not for any narrow political gain.

· Because of this incident, already three lives have been lost. One is a student, who was getting ready to sit for the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination which began today. The other person was at the Weliveriya bus stand waiting for a bus, after work. Also about 40 innocent people have been hospitalized.

· Here we see something which could have been nipped in the bud, allowed to escalate to massive destruction.

· Action should be taken now to identify and punish suitably the persons who gave orders to shoot people when they asked for water. These people did not carry guns or bombs. In countries where they respect democracy, they use water, tear gas, baton charges or rubber bullets to control such situations. Here we find some were shot in the chest with live bullets.

· President Azad in Syria uses guns and bombs against people when they ask for democracy, but incidents of this nature should not happen in a civilized society. Shooting people with live bullets is an aggressive act.

· The manner the government managed this issue is wrong. When the protests started the authorities should have taken steps to educate the people. The people of the area had a problem regarding the purity of the water they use. Hundreds got employment from the factory. There is the opportunity to go for a expeditious programme of work after consultation with all relevant parties.

· When the protests started, we were requested on many occasions to visit and support the protests. Had we gone there as politicians, it could have taken a political twist, hence instead of going to the location of protests, we requested daily from the authorities to take appropriate action. It is unfortunate that the government failed to take prompt action. When emotions are heated up there should be discussions and explanations.

· On this occasion, religious leadership of the area acted peacefully and intelligently. Ven. Theripaha Siridhamma, Chief incumbent of the Galaluwa Sambuddha Jayanthi Viharaya commenced a peaceful fast. He acted very peacefully with police and the forces.

· We are shocked about the suppressive behaviour of a few individuals of the forces, by which innocent lives were lost and people were assaulted badly. Harassing people who sought refuge in a catholic church and shooting and threatening them in the precincts of the church.

· Because of this foolish act not only innocent lives were lost but the reputation of the war heros who won the love and respect of the people was affected.

· As army officer, I too feel sorry about it The new Commander of the Army who won fame as an efficient and brave officer, assumed duties on the same day. A picture appeared in one of the newspapers which drew the attention of many. It showed an old woman surrounded by the soldiers carrying poles. Incidents of this nature are very common in countries ruled by dictators. It creates a fear when such incidents occur in a democratic country.

· This is not the first instance of occurrence of such incidents. Roshan Chanaka who participated at a peaceful protest at Katunayake Free Trade Zone, demanding their rights, died on 30th May 2011 by a gun shot fired at the protests by law enforcement sections.

· Same fate happened to fisherman, Anthony Fernando on 12th February 2012 at Chilaw at a protest organized by fisher folk.

· Therefore, we urge the government at this juncture, to take immediate steps to hold an inquiry regarding this incident. To pay compensation to the families of the dead and the injured and to protect the employment of the workers of the factory.

· A massive damage has been done internationally due to this incident, where there are allegations against the army regarding many incidents in the North, incidents of this nature occurring in the South will pave the way for the Diaspora and the international community to point a finger at the administration of the country.

This will create an opportunity for their accusations regarding the breakdown of good governance and democracy. Incidents of this nature on the eve of the Commonwealth Conference will severely damage the reputation of the country.

· We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt sympathies to the members of the families of the deceased.