Govt. covering up inability with political witch hunt: Warnasinghe

 Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) National Organiser Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe  – Pic by Ruwan Walpola

• Charges Govt. failed to control essential goods prices
• Says Patali’s arrest is attempt to silence him
• Charges detainment of Patali’s driver’s family violates human rights

By Nuwan Senarathna

Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) National Organiser Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe yesterday said the Government was attempting cover up economic hardships with a political witch hunt. 

Speaking to media in Colombo, Warnasinghe charged the Government had failed to live up to its election promise to control the prices of essential food items, and misuses its authority to oppress the Opposition, he added. 

“It is obvious the arrest of parliamentarian Patali Champika Ranawaka was an attempt to prevent him raising his voice against this Government’s misconduct. There were no previous charges filed against him. That is why they are trying to arrest him over a vehicle accident,” Warnasinghe charged.

He opined the public mandate of the Government was not intended to be used for political witch hunting and oppressing Opposition MPs.

According to Warnasinghe, the Government was unable to provide the relief promised during the Presidential Election, which led them to look for a way to divert the public’s attention. He argued the Government was unable to control the essential goods prices, indicating its inability to manage the economy effectively. 

“If we take the prices of essential food items, they are higher than ever. This is the festive season; therefore it is essential to control the price of essential food items. We call on the Government to take necessary measures to control the price of goods,” he said. 

The manner in which the family members of MP Ranwaka’s driver were detained for questioning by the Police resembled that of an abduction and violated their human rights, he opined.

“The way the driver’s wife and infant child was detained by the Police is unacceptable. It is a human rights violation. We never expected this type of behaviour from the Police. These types of actions have to be stopped,” he charged.

Ranawaka was arrested in connection with his involvement in a 2016 road accident. Although arrested by the Police, he was given bail on Christmas Eve, 24 December.