The Sri Lanka High Commission in London informed that a group of around 25 protesters consisting of JVP and UNP supporters had carried out a protest opposite the Sri Lanka High Commission in London in the late afternoon, on 4th February 2010. This protest was against the results of the recently concluded Presidential Election which the protesters alleged were not acceptable to them.
While this group protested, another group of approximately 10 members carrying LTTE flags also attempted to stage another demonstration in the same vicinity. This pro-LTTE group also attempted to destroy the National Flag of Sri Lanka. The British Police, who were deployed, promptly took action to prevent the flag from being destroyed or damaged and took one person into custody.
Following this incident, the British Police also dispersed the other protesters immediately.
In this context, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said, “I wish to refer to the statement made by the Leader of the Opposition following the conclusion of polling on Election Day, in which he had stated that the election had been ‘free and fair’.
The statement of the Sri Lanka Foreign Minister further added:
“ The Commissioner of Elections, Mr. Dayananda Dissanayake on 3rd February also rejected allegations of election malpractices at the Presidential Election stating that there was no requirement at all to nullify results at any polling center.
“Despite these statements, it is unfortunate that these extremists groups are attempting to discredit the Government of Sri Lanka and undermine the landslide victory obtained by the President at this election. I wish to also point out that the result of the Presidential Election is a testimony to the fact that the people of Sri Lanka had endorsed the policies and leadership of President Rajapaksa.
“Moreover, I note with concern that these two extremist groups staged a demonstration around the same time opposite the Sri Lanka High Commission in London which appears to point towards an emerging trend which is highly disturbing. A sinister nexus seems to be surfacing between the JVP-UNP alliance and pro-LTTE groups abroad, which will be detrimental to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka, which was finally freed of terrorism after almost three decades, under the leadership of H. E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
“Therefore, I would like to caution Sri Lankan expatriates living aboard to be wary of this emerging nexus and extremists groups and ensure that they are not drawn into a trap by extending support to such groups.
I also wish to recall and reiterate the call made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa for all Sri Lankans living overseas to return to Sri Lanka and join in being true stakeholders of Sri Lanka’s economic and social advancement. Therefore, I call upon the Sri Lankan diaspora to become involved in the development agenda of their country of birth- Sri Lanka and become partners in the progress and development of our country. “
- Asian Tribune -
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