H’tota clash was preplanned by JO: UNP

Friday, 20 January 2017 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Chamodi Gunawardana

Weeks after the Hambantota clash between Opposition supporters and Police, United National Party (UNP) Hambantota District Parliamentarian and State Minister Dilip Wedaarachchi yesterday said that the clash was preplanned by the Joint Opposition with the intention of discrediting the Government internationally.

Speaking to reporters, Wedaarachchi said the clash was premeditated by supporters of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa to hinder Government efforts to reduce Sri Lanka’s debt.

“That day we were waiting to inaugurate the Hambantota industrial zone with the Chinese ambassador and around 15,000 people there to witness the moment. Suddenly a large group of people entered the premises armed with stones and tires. They forced the Police to fire tear gas on them,” he said.

Wedaarachchi alleged that the entire group consisted of Rajapaksa “henchmen” and none of them were actual Hambantota residents.

“Those people were transported from Colombo to Hambantota with orders to create a confrontation to gain sympathy for defeated ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s group,” he alleged.

He added that the true Hambantota residents and real UNPers supported the Police to control the crowd before it damaged property or injured people.

“We should thank those Hambantota people and UNP members who attended the ceremony from Tangalle, Mulkirigala and Beliatta for supporting the Police to suppress the Opposition protesters,” he said.

When questioned as to why he took so long to give his version of the events, Wedaarachchi said he was forced to come forward to counter the “false statements” of the Joint Opposition.

“The Joint Opposition always attempts to fabricate stories to create a negative picture of the Government while the Government is struggling to pay back the billions in debt incurred by the Rajapaksa regime. When I heard the remarks of JO MPs like Udaya Gammanpila and Wimal Weerawansa I decided to reveal the truth to the media today,” he said.