Opposition projects a distorted picture :

Law breakers will be dealt with severely – Wimal Weerawansa

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa said that stern action would be taken against those who breach the law regardless of their position. When the law is enforced by the Government to bring the culprits to book, the Opposition always attempts to project a distorted picture to the country.

The media gives wide coverage when the law is enforced against wrong-doers. Earlier, most of the offences and other wrong-doings by politicians and their close buddies were covered up by previous Governments. Such incidents were not even recorded in police books.

Offences, committed by the provincial politicians or others are investigated by the police today. The Opposition, however, is attempting to create a wrong impression and brand all Heads of Local Government bodies as corrupt, the Minister told the Sunday Observer yesterday. Minister Weerawansa said although there was drug-trafficking in the country, offenders were not brought to book.

At present the police conducts raids regularly and arrests drug dealers. Despite the police action, the Opposition is attempting to show that drug trafficking is on the increase.

This kind of absurd talk by the Opposition demoralises the police. If a Pradeshiya Sabha member or a chairman had committed any offence in the past, attempts had been made by the former Governments to defend them.

There was a time when even underworld kingpins were appointed Justices of the Peace.

The Government will take stern action against those who breach the law regardless of their status, the Minister said.