May lightning strike these ruthless rulers: satyagraha staged successfully; Govt. Gangs and goons create mayhem but chased away: 6 injured

(Lanka-e-News, Feb.10, 2010, 7.10PM) When a satyagraha campaign was staged peacefully this morning (10) in the vicinity of the Hultsdorf Court complex by the opposition parties jointly against the illegal arrest of General Fonseka, a Govt. group of goons and gangsters came to disrupt it, an intense scuffle followed between the two factions. Though the goons and gangs were chased off finally, several persons were however injured. Two police officers, a Municipal member and three others were seriously injured. They had been admitted to the emergency ward of the General Hospital.

The goons and gangs who were well armed with stones, iron rods and poles were overpowered by the huge crowds and chased away. The entire crowd in and around also joined in the protests shouting and chanting ‘may lightning strike these ruthless rulers and killers’. They went round the Hultsdorf roundabout.

Rauff Hakeem, Mangala Samarweera, Daysiri Jayasekera, Mano Ganeshan, Shiral Lakthileke and many others led the protests.

Because the Govt. goons, gangs and police were from the beginning obstructing the mammoth crowds trying to assemble at the venue, a tense situation prevailed in Aluthkade in the morning just before the Satyagraha commenced. It was worthy of note that the policemen and security personnel who were deployed at the scene to maintain peace, were more concerned about protecting the Govt. goons and thugs who were creating trouble.

The Govt. thugs and goons used the Police riot squad bus as their shield to protect themselves during the attack, let alone the police protection they got.

Unfortunately for the Govt. the satyagraha could not be broken up by the Govt. marauders and goons. When this failed the police then tried to disperse the milling crowds by using tear gas. The protestors questioning the Police ‘whether the law is only enforced against them’ was witnessed by all bystanders.

There are reports that the satyagraha campaign around the whole Island has been extremely successful with people on the roads and vicinity of the campaign joining voluntarily.

Govt.’s attempt to block election petition being filed – to obstruct General’s signature being taken

Lanka-e-News, Feb.11, 2010, 9.30AM) It is reported that the Govt. is scheming to obstruct the filing of election petition against the recent Presidential election results by the Presidential candidate Gen. Fonseka. Using the officials there are concerted attempts by the Govt. to block his signature being taken, which is a requirement for the filing of petition.

UNP Gen. Secretary Tissa Attanayake stated, the signature of his is a mandatory requirement. But, by the Govt. holding him in the military custody and refusing even his Lawyers to meet him under controversial circumstances is a machination to obstruct him from signing the petition.
The election petition has to be filed within 21 days of the announcement of the results. The final day therefore is the 17th of February. All documents have been finalized for the filing of petition, but the authorities have not provided the opportunity to obtain the General’ signature on the application so far. In a Democratic country, allowing this is indispensable and is a responsibility of the authorities.

It is proposed that the election petition is filed on the 15th, Monday.
Meanwhile, arrangements have been made to file another petition for a vote re count in the Supreme Court next week. A further petition is also to be filed against the State media’s conduct flagrantly violating the election laws and the SC directives, in the run up to elections, he observed.

People in Sri Lanka protest for democracy & freedom

Gen Fonseka's wife visits him at the navy headquarters in Colombo

Gen Fonseka's wife told the BBC she had been allowed to visit him at the navy headquarters in Colombo where he is being held.

Anoma Fonseka said he trusted no one there and had therefore not eaten or drunk anything until she had taken him a meal.

His wife has visited him, but his supporters say they fear for his life.