President orders Navy to care for Wijeweera’s family for 6 more months

By Shanika Sriyananda

President Maithripala Sirisena instructed the Sri Lanka Navy yesterday to shelter the family of the founder leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Rohana Wijeweera for another six months from 1 October.

Navy Spokesman Commander Indika De Silva told the Daily FT that the President had taken the decision after having a discussion with the members of the Security Council.

After the death of Wijeweera in November 1989 his family, who surrendered to the Government, was first accommodated in the Ganemulla Army Camp until 1992.

Since 1992 his wife and six children have been living in the married quarters of the Tissa Naval Base in Trincomalee and the Gamunu Naval Base in Welisara. 

“They are given all the facilities and protection at the camps but considering the prevailing peaceful environment in the country, the former SLN Commander Rear Admiral Jayantha Perera issued a letter on 26 February this year requesting Wijeweera’s family to move out,” De Silva said.

However, Chithranagani Wijeweera, the widow of Rohana Wijeweera, informed the Navy that her family had no place to move to.

“Considering the family’s situation, the President has ordered the Navy to allow them to stay at the Gemunu Naval Base in Welisara for another six months,” the Navy Spokesman said.

When contacted Mrs. Wijeweera she said she was happy and thankful to President Sirisena for allowing her family to stay for another six months. 

“We hope that the Government will help my children to find a permanent solution within the next six months as we don’t have a place to move to again,” she lamented.