UNF calls people to protect democracy

The United National Front yesterday called on the people to flood the streets for a peaceful demonstration to stand against the “coup” and to protect democratic freedoms of the country. 

“We call on the people to protect democratic freedoms in the country, rule of law and media freedom. Come donned in black to call for democratic process to be followed in the country,”UNP Senior and Finance Minister under Prime Minister Mangala Samaraweera said, speaking at a media briefing held at Temple Trees.

Samaraweera confirmed that the Party has written to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to reconvene the Parliament to bring an end the ongoing political crisis in the country. 

“We have sent a letter signed by all members calling for the Parliament to be convened immediately. The Tamil National Alliance has done the same under the signature of the Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna has done the same. There are 126 members who have signed and made the request from the Speaker.The international community has also called on the country to convene Parliament and solve this constitutional crisis through the Parliament,” he said.

The Minister appealed to the citizens of the country to join the demonstration, setting aside party politics and other differences to protect freedoms “that were hard-won in 2015”. 

Samaraweera warned of dark days ahead, saying that the violent incidents at the State media institutions and the Petroleum Ministry were just the beginning.

“We saw the ghosts of pre-2015 come back at Rupavahini on Friday night.They switched off the transmission lines. Things would only get worse,” he said. 

Likening President Maithripala Sirisena’s address to the nation to “whining” and “child-like complaining”, UNP Spokesperson Harin Fernando found fault with the President for not knowing the affairs of the State.

“It was his shortcoming.If he is the leader of the country, and he cannot remember what he discussed and read, it is his weakness. He was there when issues were discussed and if he cannot remember, then it is a problem he has.As the Head of State,he cannot say he doesn’t know. He was always there at the Cabinet meetings and he has said many times how the meetings were democratic compared to the previous Cabinet,” he said. 

UNF member Patali Champika Ranawaka called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to come to Parliament to display the majority he claims to have. In an emotionally charged speech, Ranawaka challenged Rajapaksa to come to Parliament to showcase the support he commands. 

“If he is so brave and has the majority in Parliament, I challenge him to come and show it. I call on the so-called big king to come and show the support,” he charged. 

Samaraweera also told Government officials not to carry out any orders given by the ‘illegal’ Government, warning them of severe punishments. 

“We are informing all the Government servants that they should not carry out orders of the Cabinet that is going to be appointed illegally. We will take action against those who execute the orders given by this illegal Government,” he claimed.