IGP, Public Security Ministry Secy. allowed SLPP goon attacks – Wimal

Senior DIG Colombo ordered not to use force to prevent them

National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa yesterday (17) alleged in Parliament that IGP C. D. Wickremaratne and Secretary to the Public Security Minister Maj. Gen. (retd.) Jagath Alwis had prevented Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon from using force to stop SLPP goon attacks on May 09 on those who had been demanding the resignation of the government.

Weerawansa said Tennakoon had given in to political pressure in spite of receiving specific instructions from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to halt the SLPP goons marching on Galle Face.

The former Industries Minister and National Freedom Front Leader Weerawansa yesterday alleged in Parliament that the police had received instructions to turn a blind eye to what was happening.

SLPP rebel leader said that Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon had explained to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) the circumstances leading to indiscriminate attacks on protesters in Kollupitiya and Fort police area.

Accusing the top SLPP leadership of conspiring to cause mayhem, lawmaker Weerawansa demanded punitive action against all those responsible for May 09 violence.

MP Weerawansa quoted Maj. Gen. Alwis as having told Deshabandu Tennakoon not to get involved in a fight between brothers Gotabaya and Mahinda as they might patch up. Tennakoon had contacted Alwis on the instructions of the IGP, MP Weerawansa said.

Several SLPP lawmakers alleged that the JVP and its offshoot the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) carried out organised attacks on government members. (SF)