Support Maithri UK Team organized a protest in London against current government of Sri Lanka

As a part of UK campaign to support Mr. Maithripala Sirisena on the upcoming Presidential Election, the Support Maithri UK Team organized a protest against incumbent President Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa and the current government of Sri Lanka. The public protest was held on the 2^nd Jan 2015 in front of Sri Lanka High Commission in London.

Prior to commencement of protest, Buddhi Weerasinghe, Joint Convenor of Support Maithri UK Team handed over a letter requesting the Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya, the Inspector General of Police to ensure a free and fair election,  to the High Commissioner’s officials .  Letter was accepted by Mr. Pathiraja, administrative attaché of High Commission who confirmed that they will forward it to the authorities in Colombo for their attention.  Please see annex 1 (the letter written and signed by the executive committee members of Support Maithri  UK Team UK)

The protest began thereafter. The protestors demanded the inclement President who is also a candidate to stop abusing his powers and public funds on his campaign. They also demanded fellow Sri Lankans citizens to vote for ‘Swan’ – Maisthripala Sirisena’ to ensure the country will have a ‘compassionate Era ‘, if he was elected at the presidential election.

Speaking to the crowd gathered in front of High Commission in London, Mr. Mahinda Ushettige told that they have supported Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa to come to the power during last elections and they kept hopes on Rajapaksa and were waiting for him to abolish executive presidency as he promised on his previous manifestos.  Ushettige noted that, Rajapaksa let the people down by not abolishing the executive presidency and also abusing his powers to control his political opponents.  He pleaded all fellow citizens of Sri Lanka to stand against Mr. Rajapaksa and vote for Mr. Maithripala who will bring back democracy and good governance to the country.

Buddhi Weerasinghe stated that ‘the Support Maithri UK Team’ has written to Election Commissioner and request him to hold a free and fair election and act in accordance with the powers given to him by the Presidential Election Act and Constitution of Sri Lanka.  He also said that the letter will be sent to Inspector General of Police, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Opposition Leader of Sri Lanka Parliament and commanders of armed forces.  He said that, patriotic Sri Lankans will see the results of their efforts on the 9^th Jan 2014.’

There protestors peacefully concluded the protest and British Police extended their appreciation towards the manner in which the protest was held.  Support Maithri UK team members, Kuma Disanayake, Susantha Gunasekara, Damendra Panangala, Madhawa Ranmandala, Ravi Siriwardena and Roshan Ranmandala were among those who coordinated the event.