SLPP says statements on Lasantha’s death should be investigated

SLPP Parliamentarian Rohitha Abeygunawardena

• Says statements made by Thwarapperuma are serious and should be probed
• Offers to conduct investigation when SLPP forms a government

By Nuwan Senarathna

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Rohitha Abeygunawardena yesterday said statements made by Deputy Minister Palitha Thewarapperuma about deceased The Sunday Leader Founder Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, which triggered a heated verbal battle between him and Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, should be investigated. 

“Deputy Minister Thewarapperuma’s claims should not be taken lightly. He has made statements over abductions and assassinations linked to Lasantha. Therefore these are very serious claims, which need to be investigate immediately,” Abeygunawardena told reporters at SLPP headquarters.

Abeygunawardena said Deputy Minister Thewarapperuma’s statements could help to find the mastermind behind several alleged abductions and assassinations including journalists.

“If the Government fails or neglects to probe Deputy Minister Thewarapperuma’s claims, we will start a fresh probe as soon we are able to form a government. But I don’t think we should wait till then, because even now many years have passed,” he added.

He said if such claims were made against common citizens the situation would been different as the Government might arrest them and produce them before Court. Abeygunawardena charged the Government had been neglecting Thewarapperuma’s statements.

He noted the verbal battle between Thewarapperuma and MP Sarath Fonseka had raised concerns over the Cabinet’s collective responsibility and unity among MPs who represent the Government.

“Collective responsibility among Cabinet ministers and MPs who represent the Government is a must. Without such understanding, the Government cannot function properly due to clashes among members of Government. But if you have noticed, no such incident occurred during the time Mahinda Rajapaksa was in office as Prime Minister.”

Abeygunawardena pointed out disagreements among Government MPs could impact the economy and focus of the Government could be taken away from priorities such as development projects.

The dispute between Thewarapperuma and Fonseka started on 30 December when Thewarapperuma claimed Fonseka who was Minister of Wildlife had prevented him working as Deputy Minister of Wildlife prior to 26 October. Following the Deputy Minister’s claims, Fonseka issued statements to the media criticising Thewarapperuma. The exchange of words only ended after the UNP released a statement requesting them to stop making adverse comments against each other.



Pix by Chamila Karunarathne

 

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