SJB demands an end to State-sponsored terrorism

• Questions arrests of peaceful protestors
• Says no one can violate the right to engage in non-violent struggles
• Condemns arbitrary and politically motivated arrests

Sajith Premadasa yesterday slammed the Government for the arrest of trade unionist Joseph Stalin. The leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) questioned the Government’s move to arrest peaceful protestors such as Stalin while allowing former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa whom he called “the creator of today's violent repression” to remain free.

Stalin, the General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union was arrested by the Police on Wednesday over allegations of carrying out a protest in violation of a court order.

 The court has since ordered for him to be remanded till 12 August.

“While Stalin who fought for workers and teachers is now under arrest, Rajapaksa the father of repression is able to roam free,” he said. Premadasa condemned the arbitrary and politically motivated arrests while demanding an immediate stop to State-sponsored terrorism.

Premadasa made these comments while visiting Stalin yesterday at the Fort Police station. He also recalled Wickremesinghe’s condemnation of Stalin’s arrest on a previous occasion where Wickremesinghe claimed it would lead to Sri Lanka losing the GSP+ facility. “How will it not happen now?” Premadasa asked.

He stressed issues must be discussed and not be resolved through weapons. Premadasa also said no one can violate a citizen including Stalin’s right to engage in any non-violent struggle.