Archives

It has been revealed that most of the serious incidents of election related violence so far have been perpetrated leading members of the United National Party (UNP). Three Judges of the courts have already ordered to arrest six UNP leaders who have seriously violated the election laws or tried to kill or assaulted other party supporters. Mr. Frank Goonawardhana, Judge of Puttalam Magistrate Court has ordered to arrest Palitha Ranga Bandara, Harold Vaxan, Mohamed Hafi, all UNP candidates in Puttalam District for unlawfully confining police officers.

Two candidates of the UNP in Ratnapura District, Susantha Punchi Nilame, who is already a suspect in a murder case, and Chandra Gankanda are to be arrested according to the order made by H. M. R. Anura Kumara, Judge of Embilipitiya Magistrate Court for shooting at Mr Ranjith Soyza and his vehicle. Mr. Soyza is the Chairman of Atakalpana Pradeshiya Sabha and People's Alliance (PA) chief co-ordinator in the area.

UNP District leader in the Matale, Alic Aluvihara was also to be arrested for assaulting A. G. Tennakoon (PA), Chairman of Vilgamuwa Pradeshiya Saba.

Deputy Minister of Ports and Shipping, Reggie Ranathunga was enlarged on bail by A. M. Silva, High Court Judge of Gampaha High Court. Reggie Ranathunga was the only person of the PA who was suspected to be involved in a serious election related violence. However, it was revealed at the Court that a UNP candidate and a group of lawyers of the UNP have fabricated the complaint to incriminate Mr. Reggie Ranathunga for a murder charge. Therefore, now it is very clear that leaders of the UNP had been involved in violating the election laws as in the past, and they have created a scenario to prevent a free and fair election.

However, we appreciate the steps taken by the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Election Commissioner and Defence Authorities to have a free and fair general election.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager