This is a grave blow to Democracy -UNP

This is a grave blow to Democracy -UNP
Friday, February 27, 2009 Leave a Comment
(February 27, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The UNP records its strong protest against the anti Democratic action of the Govt. in the arrest of ‘Sudar Oli’ Editor N. Vidyadaran, the United National Front, a main opposition in Sri Lanka said in a press statement.

According to the statement, “if the Govt. suspects that he has been assisting the LTTE or had terrorist connections , there is a legal procedure to follow for the Govt. It could have legally and duly arrested him and produced to the Courts. In that event , we certainly have no objections.”

“But, the Govt. resorted to its dastardly action of abducting him in the infamously famous white Van ,using force. This is a grave blow to Democracy.”

“Because of these violations of law and the violence directed against the Journalists , the whole World is looking down on Sri Lanka which has lost its good image. This unlawful action, is the latest in the series of violence and assassinations which claimed the life of Lasantha Wickremetunge and launched attacks on Upali Tennekoon and many others.”

“If this abduction by any chance turns into a threat to his life , nothing can be more shameful and disgraceful than that to tarnish the image of the Govt. in the opinion of the world.”

“Let those who are behind this be reminded that these actions inspired by irresponsibility, lack of foresightedness and despicable motives can only do more harm than any good to the country and the people.”

Vithyatharan attacked by 'abductors' inside white-van
[TamilNet, Thursday, 26 February 2009, 17:06 GMT]

The wife of Chudaroli (Sudar Oli) Editor who was 'abducted' first and later claimed 'arrested' by the Sri Lankan Police, told media Thursday night that her husband had been attacked on his head and heels inside the white-van by the abductors. Meanwhile, Vithyatharan was dumped at Demattagoda by the abductors, Police told Mrs. Kala Vithytharan Thursday evening. However, Vithyatharan is detained at the Crime Division of the Police in Demattagoda where his wife visited him with their three children with police permission.

In the meantime, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, when contacted by Uthayan Press Group Chairman M. Saravanapavan, reportedly claimed that it was not abduction, but an arrest as police was involved in it.

However, there was no arrest warrant or police vehicle involved in the episode at the funeral parlour where the editor was 'abducted’.

Media circles in Colombo said the act was a pre-planned intimidation against the prominent Tamil editor.

Meanwhile, Sravanabavan, said that Mount Lavinia police had interrogated him for nearly an hour Thursday evening at his residence on 70 Davidson Road in Bambalapitiya.

The interrogating police officers had asked for information on how Vithyatharan was abducted besides other details, he said.
Chronology:

26.02.09 RSF seeks guarantee of Vithyatharan's safety
26.02.09 Vithyatharan attacked by 'abductors' inside white-..
26.02.09 Prominent Tamil Editor abducted in Colombo, later ..