Govt. cannot keep mum when minor extremist group takes people hostage: Ravi K

Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake said a people’s Government cannot keep mum at a time when a minor extremist group has challenged democracy by taking people hostage in this country.

The minister pointed out that any person or group irrespective of their status should be brought to book if they are covering up in existing democratic rights and are engaged in illegal activities.

Karunanayake also said that the Police should be more efficient to take action against such people and groups as they are trying to embarrass the Government by creating instability in the society.

He made these remarks to the media yesterday after visiting former Finance Minister Ronnie de Mel at the latter’s residence in Kollupitiya. 

When journalists asked about the ongoing island wide GMOA strike, Karunanayake said that a small group of individuals who have become cat’s paw of a few bankrupt politicians have taken to the street and such a minor group cannot be allowed to challenge the future of the country.

“The Government has already tolerated this nuisance more than it deserved. Time is now running out. A democratically elected government has a huge responsibility to protect the rights of the majority people. The GMOA members are engaged in a strike without a concrete foundation.  Can a country be pushed forward in this manner?  The law should be implemented against the anti SAITM university students who invaded the Health Ministry recently and damaged its public property,” he added.