Hold all those responsible for 9 May mayhem responsible

Saturday, 4 June 2022 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

9 May 2022 is now a date of infamy for the violence unleashed against peaceful protesters by pro-regime goons. The events that followed also saw retaliation against Government supporters, including members of parliament and their property. It left over a dozen people dead including an MP.

If such incidents of violence are to be avoided there should be swift violence against those who perpetrated the acts on 9 May without consideration of rank or political status. Even though there are some moves in this regard, it is yet to be seen whether these would deliver impartial, swift and effective justice.

This week the Criminal Investigation Department arrested Colombo Municipal Councillor Mahinda Kahandagama and it is reported that two CID teams have been assigned to arrest former Minister Johnston Fernando, with regard to the incidents of 9 May. This was after the Attorney General’s Department informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that Fernando and Kahandagama and two others have been named as suspects in the case filed over the attacks.

Colombo Fort Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage also ordered to further remand 13 suspects, including Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MPs Sanath Nishantha Perera and Milan Jayathilake. Sri Lanka Podujana Education Services Union President Wasantha Handapangoda, Moratuwa Mayor Saman Lal Fernando, Boralesgamuwa Municipal Council Chairman Aruna Priyashantha and Nawa Sinhale National Organisation Leader Dan Priyasad were also among the persons who were ordered to be remanded.

Meanwhile, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate and report on all types of property damage and loss of life, including arson, robbery, and murder, which took place in several parts of the country from 31 March to 15 May. According to the President’s Media Division the commission is to be chaired by Justice of the Supreme Court Buwaneka Aluwihare and consist of former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police S.M. Wickramasinghe and Additional Chief Assessor N.A.S. Wasantha Kumara.

Inspector General of Police Chandana Wickremaratne was also summoned before Colombo Fort Magistrate and was directed to show cause as to why he failed to transfer Western Province Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon, who is accused of aiding and abetting the pro-Government goons who attacked the protesters. The IGP had been instructed by the AG to arrest the controversial police officer who has been for years accused of political bias.

It is no secret that the initial provocation for the violence occurred when a group of individuals who had gathered at Temple Trees at the behest of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa were told by their leaders to attack the anti-Government protest sites just outside the Prime Minister’s office and at Galle Face Green. Any attempts to absolve Mahinda Rajapaksa, his sons and immediate supporters who were part of this provocation will only dilute the credibility of any judicial process and if there is to be a semblance of due process it is necessary to hold all those responsible for that day’s violence responsible. Unless there is such a thorough impartial investigation and effective prosecution there is little hope of preventing the recurrence of such chaos and violence in the future.