Rathupaswala residents give fortnight ultimatum

Over water contamination issue

A group of Rathupaswala residents, led by the Sri Lanka Young Journalists’ Association, yesterday issued an ultimatum to the government threatening to take to the streets their predicament on the drinking water contamination issue, again like the 2012 demonstration which ended the life of three youths and injured 26 others. During a media briefing, Suresh Perera, a resident of Rathupaswala said their attempt to negotiate with the authorities failed as no one addressed the issues.

He said a fortnight ultimatum would be given to the government to resolve their issues, before they hold a demonstration in January. “Nothing had been done for those who were injured or disabled after being assaulted at the 2012 protest where we demanded clean drinking water. Action had not been taken against the factory which led to the water contamination. No justice had been done to the residents who consumed unhygienic water. All they received were lawsuits filed by the police for engaging in the protest,” he said.

He added that the Rathupaswala residents were still facing problems due to the prevailing water contamination.

Speaking at a media briefing, Sri Lanka Young Journalists’ Association President Tharindu Uduwaragedara alleged that Brigadier Deshapriya Gunawardena who ordered to shoot at unarmed Rathupaswala residents demanding clean drinking water on August 2013 was still roaming free in the country.

“Although the Human Rights Commission report in this regard had recommended legal action to be taken against the Army personnel who shot the three youths during the protest, no measures have been taken by the relevant authorities,” he said.