Image: After the attacks on Muslims in Aluthgama.
Today (15th) issuing a statement in Colombo chairperson of the Rajapksa led Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) G.L .Peiris said that ” The [present] Government never appointed a Commission to look into the far more important issue of the Aluthgama incident, because all the perpetrators are now in the Yahapalana Government. The Government should immediately establish a Commission of Inquiry into the Aluthgama incident, the sudden flare-up of extremist activity in 2017 and the Gintota incident. In the meantime, the law should be implemented strictly on such incidents in the future,”
Aluthgama anti Muslim riots took place on 15th and 16th June 2014. Rajapaksa wass then in power and this what his government told UNHRC just five days after the riots:
“In response to references made by Germany, Norway and Canada, Sri Lanka wishes to place on record the sequence of events that led to the incidents of communal violence in Aluthgama and Beruwala in southern Sri Lanka on 15th and 16th June, and the action taken by the Government.
On 12th June, a Buddhist monk was assaulted by three Muslim youth, following a dispute. The three suspects were produced before the Magistrate and remanded, while the monk who made a statement to the Police, was admitted to hospital.
On 15th June, the Buddhist monk was proceeding to the temple accompanied by some other monks and lay persons, when stones were thrown at the group as they were passing the Mosque in Dharga Town.
This incident led to the violence, which spread to Beruwala by 16th June. Police was compelled to use tear gas and impose curfew to bring the situation under control.”
Now same Rajapaksa wants to appoint a commission to look in to the riots.
The reason is clear: He needs to dupe Muslim community to get their votes in coming elections.