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| Sunday, 26 October 2003 |
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'Janasena' protests living costs, peace process by Don Asoka Wijewardena Amidst much criticism and misgiving, the "Janasena" protest march of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) was held as scheduled on Friday, with a substantial number of "no shows" making a significant dent to the expected "One million" participants. The rally, ostensibly organised to indicate an end to the patience of the long suffering masses, had its fair share of drama and controversy with PA national list MP V. Puthrasigamani moving to the government bench to showcase his displeasure at the party's refusal to postpone the march,on account of Friday being Deepavali day and a holiday for Hindus. But the drama began much earlier with parliamentary minister A. H. M. Azwer and several Tamil organisations requesting President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to postpone the protest march on account of the Deepavali festival. The President responded to Minister Azwer's request by pointing out that she had asked the SLFP organisers to maintain a high degree of discipline without resorting to violent activities, while maintaining the image of the party. The President had also informed Minister Azwer that the organisers of the rally had been asked to respect this religious festival and the people celebrating the significant event. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party's General Secretary, Maithripala Sirisena had also informed Tamil communities that he had instructed the organisers of the protest march that obstructive activities should be avoided and strict party discipline be maintained respecting the Hindu community. "Janasena" also had its crisis moments as a contingent of Buddhist monks failed to turn up for the rally, opposite the BMICH. The rationale for the sudden withdrawal is not known. The protest rally organised by the SLFP against the UNF government was held to protest against the government's inability to take action to prevent the spiralling cost of living, forcing the government for wage and salary increments and against the government's involvement in the peace process. The SLFP and PA supporters led by Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapakse arrived at the Henry Pedris Grounds at Dickmans Road. The rally organised by the party unions was held at Campbell Park and was led by Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana and former Minister John Seneviratne. Members of the PA and SLFP district organisations congregated at the Sugathadasa Stadium and proceeded towards the Colombo Town Hall led by Anura Bandaranaike. JVP parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa, former Sri Lanka cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga were also seen among the participants. The message sent by the President stated that the People's Alliance had formulated a plan to provide 50,000 jobs to unemployed graduates, and to implement the Tissa Devendra Commission salary recommendation,providing concessions to farmers, fishermen and Samurdhi beneficiaries. The Leader of the Opposition,Mahinda Rajapakse,said that the time had come for the President to use the powers vested in the constitution and arrive at constructive decisions according to the requirements of the people to form a new government. MEP leader, Dinesh Gunawardena in his address said that the country had been protected as the President had been elected for the second time in 2000. MP Laksman Kadirgamar said that the SLFP agreed with the statement made by the Indian government on the interim administration proposals and human rights situation of the country. |
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