SAITM shooting police report to be tabled in P’ment: PM

In response to questions by the Joint Opposition yesterday, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe assured that police reports on the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) shooting would be tabled in Parliament.

Leader of the Joint Opposition Dinesh Gunawardane criticised the Government’s action to stop the demonstrations and student protests using tear gas and water cannon. 

He demanded the release of the students who were being held in custody.

Leader of the House and Minister of Higher Education, Lakshman Kiriella, accused the Rajapaksa regime of establishing SAITM and making a mess of it. “It is your Government which granted a loan of Rs. 600 million to SAITM. Now you are blaming us.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe assured Parliament that the investigation report of Monday’s shooting would be tabled in Parliament. Unidentified gunmen shot at the vehicle of SAITM’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Details are unknown and investigations are underway. The report will be tabled in Parliament as soon as the investigations conclude,” promised the Prime Minister in response to the request of Chief Opposition Whip Anura Dissanayake.

Highlighting the seriousness of the crime, MP Dissanayake said: “Some were defending SAITM and others were not. So, many conclusions can be reached on this particular shooting. To avoid serious issues the investigation report should be tabled in Parliament.” (AH)