The United National Party (UNP) has condemned the arrest of Jaffna Mayor Manivannan Visvalingam by the police under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Issuing a statement, the UNP noted that the arrest was made due to concerns raised regarding the uniforms worn by members of the Municipal Council.and called on the relevant authorities to investigate any wrongdoing allegedly committed by a popularly elected official before the police take any action.
“The party believes that an inquiry into any alleged wrongdoing by an elected official must be carried out by the relevant Ministry prior to any Police action,” the statement said.
The UNP requested that clear evidence be presented regarding the allegations that the uniforms worn by the members of the council who have been employed to oversee the cleanliness of the Municipality has any resemblance to uniforms worn by the LTTE.
The Party further drawing attention to the uniforms worn by the parking attendants within the Colombo Municipality, questioned if those could also be viewed as similar to those worn by the LTTE.
“We urge that the relevant authorities ensure this matter is handled in a transparent manner and the elected officials be treated with the dignity and respect their office commands,” the statement added.
Police Media Spokesman, DIG Ajith Rohana has said that the Jaffna Mayor was arrested for aiding and abetting the promotion of the defunct terrorist organization by deploying five persons in uniform similar to those worn by so-called LTTE police officers during the war for official duties in the vicinity of Jaffna.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
