Honking at VIP convoys shows public anger towards Govt: MR

• Claims speculation of a non-political presidential candidate ploy to divert attention

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said the displeasure shown by the public against the closure of roads for VIP vehicular movements by unceasingly sounding the horn were a reaction to the Government’s policies.  

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa

A video of vehicles caught in traffic due to VIP road closures honking loudly in protest went viral, causing President Maithripala Sirisena to order an end to road closures that inconvenience the public.  

Rajapaksa expressed these views during a meeting held at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) head office with Northern and Eastern Province SLPP members. During the meeting, Rajapaksa and the SLPP members had a lengthy discussion on recent political developments in the two provinces. Rajapaksa pointed out that the public’s reaction to the closure of roads for VIP vehicular movement was a natural reaction, which showed the public’s anger towards the Government. In the meeting, Rajapaksa had said people in Northern and Eastern Provinces had been unable to find a market to sell their products, which created severe economic challenges.   “During our time, we have developed both Northern and Eastern Provinces, but the current Government, who promised to deliver more, has failed to stabilise the economy,” he added.

Rajapaksa also said certain parties were trying to divert public attention away, by saying the country needs a leader who is not currently part of the political establishment. “All these movements are propaganda. All of them are trying to gain political advantages by misleading the public.”  

However, Rajapaksa did not mention who was behind such activities.