Leaders Pressed for Answers

Activists question the sophistication of attacks and accuse government of smokescreening

■ Footage emerged on social media as well as live broadcasts from the site to show how Police were hesitant to block the Rajapaksa supporters from entering Gotagogama, despite the fact that they bore clubs and batons

■ Critics including politicians and civic activists have questioned the sophistication of these attacks which appeared to be coordinated and swift

■ Within several hours, nearly 40 houses belonging to members of Parliament and local government institutions were destroyed, and we are perplexed as to how this happened. The movement and coordination appear to be excessive

■ The government must accept responsibility for the attacks that were orchestrated by them. In truth, there were a number of attempts to incite the general populace to violence. However, it was resolved before the situation became worse

On May 9, 2022, several hours before former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa announced his resignation, Gotagogama, a peaceful protest site demanding the resignation of the President and Prime Minister, was attacked. Supporters of Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa marched towards the Presidential Secretariat defiant of the state of emergency declared earlier, to launch an unprovoked attack on peaceful protesters who occupied the Galle Face Green for one month.

Rajapaksa’s supporters arrived at Temple Trees on Monday morning, expressing their unflinching support towards the Prime Minister, demanding Rajapaksa to stay on. Following a defiant speech by the premier, the same supporters were seen launching an attack on Mainagogama, the protest site established at Temple Trees. The Rajapaksa supporters then marched towards Gotagogama, just a few hundred metres away, where a poorly reinforced Police barricade stood waiting.

Footage emerged on social media as well as live broadcasts from the site to show how Police were hesitant to block the Rajapaksa supporters from entering Gotagogama, despite the fact that they bore clubs and batons. A series of violent events unfolded since then, resulting in the death of nine individuals, including a Parliamentarian and two Police personnel.

In Colombo, violent mobs surrounded the Temple Trees, which resulted in a pre-dawn operation to evacuate Rajapaksa where security personnel dispersed thousands of protesters who breached the gates of the Prime Minister’s residence. Elsewhere in the country, houses of Rajapaksa loyalists including parliamentarians were torched, recording at least 136 cases of property damage according to the Ministry of Defence. Critics including politicians and civic activists have questioned the sophistication of these attacks which appeared to be coordinated and swift. The Daily Mirror spoke to the InterUniversity Students’ Federation (IUSF) whose participation in a number of public protests were heavily criticised by the ruling faction, but were welcomed by protesters on the ground.

“GOVERNMENT MUST ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACKS” -

Former IUSF Convener Lahiru Weerasekara

“There was widespread opposition to the attack on Gotagogama from citizens. Following that, a wave of protests and opposition erupted across the country. However, people who are truly in need do not have the resources to obtain such high quantities of fuel or to coordinate their efforts.

Within several hours, nearly 40 houses belonging to members of Parliament and local government institutions were destroyed, and we are perplexed as to how this happened. The movement and coordination appear to be excessive.

The current ground situation is that people are unable to complete their vital daily duties because they lack fuel. All the properties owned by these legislators are heavily guarded. In the midst of these fires, where were all of the security officers on duty? Who knows how they managed to get away without being caught.

It is important that history should not repeat itself”

Police in Rambukkana opened fire on locals after they allegedly attempted to ignite an oil bowser, which we all remember. When all of these houses were set on fire, how can we believe the cops remained silent? So, who was living in these houses, and where were they located? Do you think that everyone escaped because they had received a tip that individuals were coming to set their properties on fire, and that was the only way they could have gotten away?

There was not even a single servant, gardener, or even a pet dog present when the fires were started at those residences. This does seem a little suspicious, don’t you think? What do they want us to believe is that this government, which is headed by a former military officer and is led by numerous former military officials in a variety of prominent ministries, has been sitting around cluelessly waiting and watching the entire time?

Police will try their level best to shoot below the knee level. That is the procedure here. Unfortunately it hit the stomach or something, because every policeman is not a marksman”

The government must accept responsibility for the attacks that were orchestrated by them. In truth, there were a number of attempts to incite the general populace to violence. However, it was resolved before the situation became worse. We are glad of that development. Even when the goons stormed the Galle Face, our demonstrators remained calm and deliberate. These fires are nothing more than smokescreens for the government’s ambitions. They are working on a significant plan.”

Even the members of Parliament are frightened. They have refused to attend the session of Parliament, citing security concerns

These fires are nothing more than smokescreens for the government’s ambitions. They are working on a significant plan”

All of the properties owned by these legislators are heavily guarded. In the midst of these fires, where were all of the security officers on duty?”

“IF PEOPLE RESORT TO VIOLENCE, NOT A SINGLE LAWYER WILL BE ABLE TO DEFEND THEM” -

Former Human Rights Commissioner and Attorney-at-law Prathiba Mahanamahewa

“People have been roused to action. It is important that history should not repeat itself. People are not allowed to take the law into their own hands. If people take the law into their own hands, as has happened in Somalia, the result will be anarchy and unrest. If people resort to violence, not a single lawyer will be able to defend them.

Considering all the limited resources we have available, everyone should come together on a shared platform to produce solutions. Now, even the members of Parliament are frightened. They have refused to attend the session of Parliament, citing security concerns. So, how can we pass legislation and institute reform? Immediately, all of the opposition parties should get together and establish a single platform on which to build a comprehensive strategy. People should refrain from acting on the basis of their emotions.”