UNP holds rally against suppression of democracy

The demonstration organised by the United National Party (UNP) against the continued suppression of democracy is being held at the Lipton Circus in Town Hall, Colombo. A number of supporters of the UNP and MPs were seen marching towards the venue of the demonstration.

UNP MP Dr. Harsha De Silva said they have the power both inside and outside Parliament.

“Fake Prime Minister better listen to the people and respect democracy. You have no confidence in the Legislature. Go for God’s sake, Go!,” Dr. De Silva tweeted.

Addressing the rally, MP Patali Champika Ranawaka urged the government to hold both the General Election and the Presidential Election together.

“We would defeat both President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa will be defeated by more than 7 million of votes this time. For the first time in the history, a president has changed his political camp. We will respond to this next time," he said.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said the President, who speaks about the Central Bank Bond scam, had forgotten about the Hedging Deal. He urged the President to follow the correct path.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader MP Rauff Hakeem challenged the President to go for a presidential election. “We will show our trump cards then. We safeguarded the sovereignty of the people," he told the UNP rally.

UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa challenged the President and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to face an election in Parliament.

"We are not afraid of guns or ammunitions. We will win through democracy. All they know is how to oppress the people and issue threats," he said.