BY Ruwani Fonseka

No orders have been received from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa or the Government to arrest people who are dancing to the presidential campaign song ‘Wada Karana Ape Wiruwa’ song, says Police Spokesperson SSP (Attorney at Law) Nihal Thalduwa.

He made this statement while speaking exclusively with The Morning today (13).

“A certain news website had shared an article about the President instructing the CID and Police to arrest people who are standing in queues for petrol or milk powder. I can assure that this news that was widely circulated is not true and the police have not received such information. The police cannot arrest people for dancing and singing that song, that is their political views and are entitled to their freedom,” said Thalduwa.

He further added that the police is although allowed to arrest individuals who cause havoc at petrol sheds which could cause harm to the people.

“There have been people who are seen lighting crackers when petrol and diesel bowsers arrive at petrol sheds. This is a major hazard and offence as it puts peoples lives at risk. In this instance, the police is allowed to have the persons arrested. The police can also arrest people who get involved in physical altercations at petrol sheds,” he added.

Thalduwa further mentioned that there was no law that people are not entitled to express their political views, whichever party they support.

Long queues have been seen with the shortage in milk powder, LP gas, petrol and diesel around the country, and people have been dancing and recording their opinions or singing to the President’s campaign song ‘Wada Karana Ape Wiruwa’, which has also been trending on the popular app Tiktok.

Couresy:The Morning