Lanka's former strongman Mahinda under protection at naval base
As word spread about Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presence at the Trincomalee Naval Base, people started a protest near the key military facility
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is being protected at the Trincomalee naval base after he was evacuated from his official residence, Defence Secretary Gen (retd.) Kamal Guneratne said on Wednesday, as security forces in armoured vehicles patrolled across the country with orders to shoot at sight amid continuing protests at the government's handling of the worst economic crisis.
The 76-year-old Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) leader, known for his brutal military campaign against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during his presidency from 2005 to 2015, resigned on Monday after violence erupted following an attack on the antigovernment protesters by his supporters. The attack triggered widespread violence against pro-Rajapaksa politicians, leaving nine people, including two police officers, dead.
Mahinda, who served as the country's prime minister thrice, saw his residence set on fire on Monday. He, along with his wife and family, fled his official residence - Temple Trees - and took shelter at the naval base in Trincomalee after a series of deadly attacks on his supporters.
"He (Mahinda Rajapaksa) was evacuated to the Trincomalee naval dockyard, Guneratne told reporters during an online briefing.
Trincomalee is a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka.
Gunaratne said after it was determined that it was not suitable for Mahinda to remain at Temple Trees, the necessary decision was made to relocate him. As word spread about Mahinda's presence at the Trincomalee Naval Base, people started a protest near the key military facility.
"He will not live there forever. After the situation returns to normal, he will be relocated to a residence or location of his choice, Gunaratne said.
The defence secretary said it is important to protect every single life in the country, and after it was determined that it was not suitable for Mahinda to remain at Temple Trees, the necessary decision was made.
"He is a former President and is entitled to adequate security, he added.
Mahinda is also facing calls for his arrest from Opposition politicians for inciting violence against peaceful anti-government protesters who were seeking his resignation as well as that of his elder brother and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for mismanaging the country's economy.
Meanwhile, army troops on military vehicles marched on the streets of Colombo to ensure public security, a day after the defence ministry ordered the Army, the Air Force and the Navy personnel to open fire on anyone looting public property or causing harm to others.
Army Special Forces' Combat Riders have also been deployed on mobile patrol in Colombo and suburbs, the News First news portal reported.
Defence Secretary Gunaratne also said that "there will never be a military rule in Sri Lanka, I say this with responsibility." His comments came amid concerns over the increasing role of the military in the ongoing political and economic crisis. President Gotabaya on Wednesday urged the public to reject subversive attempts and said it is the time for all Sri Lankans to join hands as one, to overcome the economic, social and political challenges.
"This is the time for all Sri Lankans to join hands as one, to overcome the economic, social & political challenges. I urge all #Srilankans to reject the subversive attempts to push you towards racial & religious disharmony.
Promoting moderation, toleration & coexistence is vital, the President said on Twitter. He had earlier urged the people to stop "violence and acts of revenge" against fellow citizens and vowed to address the political and economic crisis facing the nation.
President Gotabaya will hold talks with the ruling party dissidents and the main Opposition SJB on Wednesday to end the political impasse and appoint a successor to ousted prime minister Mahinda.
"We will have more talks today. Hopefully we will see an end (of the political impasse) today, Anura Yapa, a senior leader of the independent group that had split from the ruling SLPP coalition, said.