Mahinda Rajapaksa to be summoned before Rights Commission over May 9 attacks
COLOMBO – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has decided to call former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to obtain a statement regarding the attacks on protesters at Galle Face and Temple Trees in Colombo on May 9 and the subsequent unrest.
Former ministers Namal Rajapaksa, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Johnston Fernando and Ramesh Pathirana have also been summoned to appear before the Commission next Wednesday ((June 1), local media quoting the HRCSL said.
Meanwhile, Avant-Garde Chairman Nissanka Senadhipathi has been summoned before the Human Rights Commission on Monday (30). Senadhipathi has been summoned before the Commission over allegations that a group of inmates of the Watareka Prison, had attended a political meeting held at Temple Trees on May 9 and been involved in the subsequent attack on Galle Face protesters.
Local media quoted the Human Rights Commission as sayaing the Inspector General of Police and Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon will be summoned before the Commission on Thursday (June 2).
Earlier, on May 9, the peaceful protest at Gota Go Gama in Galle Face and the Maina Go Gama in front of Temple Trees were attacked by Rajapaksa loyalist bussed to Temple Trees from various parts of the country for a meeting with Mahinda Rajapaksa.
On Saturday (28), , the protest in front of the Presidential Secretariat at Galle Face Green in Colombo marked the 50th consecutive day. The protests demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa started off on April 9 and since then it has been continuing 24/7.
The island nation also witnessed a series of violent incidents including the burning of houses of several parliamentarians after a clash between a pro-government group and anti-government protesters near the residence of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
Presently, Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens.
-ANI/ENCL