The involvement of politicos from the Mahinda Rajapaksa-backed Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in last month’s communal riots in Kandy, was back in the spotlight during the No Confidence debate in Parliament last Wednesday, after JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake named four SLPP politicos implicated in the violence, during his speech.
Police investigations into last month’s communal clashes in Kandy are set to conclude this week.
Police are reportedly investigating four newly appointed SLPP local councillors and at least one Joint Opposition Parliamentarian from the Kandy District in connection with the violence which engulfed the district causing widespread panic and chaos. In a speech made during the no confidence motion debate in Parliament last week, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayake directly blamed the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) for the Kandy violence. He not only blamed the party but also went on to name and shame several of those involved.
Reading out of a Police report, Dissanayake pointed out that arrested SLPP councillors Gamini Rajapaksa and Samantha Perera were both implicated for taking part in the violence.
“Tenne Gedara Gamini Rajapaksa was identified by the Police as one of those who set fire to the Menikhinna Mosque,” the MP said in parliament, adding that another SLPP councillor Samantha Perera was connected to the attacks on houses and shops in Digana town.
Dissanayake also named first time SLPP councillor of the Kundasale Pradeshiya Sabha, Deepthi Perera claiming that he is now being investigated for attacking and setting fire to a shop in Nattaranpotha. The JVP leader revealed that Police is in possession of CCTV footage of two monks taking part in attacks on shops and religious places in Digana.
He identified them as elected SLPP Councillors, Namadenagala Piyarathana Thera and another monk from the Godamuna temple.
According to sources, Rajapaksa, Perera and Deepthi are first-time elected Pradeshiya Sabha members in Kundasale and despite being implicated in the recent violence, Rajapaksa and Perera were not previously known to have committed acts of violence, sources from the area said. Perera is a prominent businessman and owner of the Araliya Hotel in Kandy while Rajapaksa is said to be an employee in a private firm.
However, according his political counterpart, who wished to remain unnamed, Deepthi Perera is a known infamous character in the area. “I will not be surprised if he is involved in these incidents” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking to his confidantes Gamini Rajapaksa has claimed that he was merely recording the violence on his mobile phone but was not a part of the mob. Samantha Perera meanwhile, claims his arrest is part of a political vendetta against him.
But residents in the area instead claim those named were seen organising and leading the mobs while attacking households and shops owned by Muslims during the violence. SLPP PS Member Samantha Perera and his supporters were involved in putting up white flags around the Digana town on March 4. Digana town is about 25km away from Teldeniya where the funeral of the lorry driver, whose murder sparked the riots, was being held, said Jainulabdeen Riyaz, a resident of Kengalla.
When questioned as to why there was a delay in arresting those who have been identified and named, Police spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara told the Sunday Observer that investigations take time but action will be taken following due process.
However, much speculation has also been cast on the identity of the Parliamentarian linked to the attacks. Speaking at a recent Cabinet briefing, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Rajitha Senaratne said a Parliamentarian has been identified for instigating the attacks. “The name will be revealed soon,” he said adding that Police have identified his connection to the violence.
United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP, Lohan Ratwatte, a Kandy District MP aligned to the pro-Rajapaksa Joint Opposition told the Sunday Observer that no one has officially accused him of being connected to the violence.
“If any accusation is levelled against me officially I am ready to answer to them,” he said, adding that until then he does not wish to address speculations. He also said he has no knowledge if any disciplinary action will be taken against SLPP members implicated.
Several attempts were made to contact SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L Peiris for comment about the involvement of the four council members of his party, but the attempts proved unsuccessful.