"Blood on the hands of the protesters" - Mahinda

Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said in parliament that there is hatred in the hearts and minds of the protesters.

The former Prime Minister said this in his condolence speech in Parliament on behalf of the assassinated Amarakeerthi Athukorala.

Mr. Rajapaksa further said,

“After May 18, 2009, we have eradicated terrorism from this country and created a country where people can go on the road without fear of death. But today the situation has changed. With the assassination of MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala which we commemorate today, many in this House are taking to the streets today at great risk. It is true that there is pain and frustration among the people due to the economic crisis.

It is also true that people protest during a crisis like this. But they go so far as to kill. It goes so far as to set fire to property and destroy houses and doors, because those who run them are behind it. Political forces have emerged in the country that are leading the frustration of the people towards violence. The assassination of MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala is taking place because there was such a directive.

Our tradition is not to take revenge on the dead. Respect death. If it is disrespected, it is condemned. Was that justice done to MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala? not. MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala was not only stoned to death but dragged to the streets. His body was not even allowed to be taken out. Not only that. The body was also ordered to be cremated on the road. We remember these laws were brought in 88-89. He killed his enemy, called him a traitor, and ordered that his body be taken below the knee to the cemetery. That is what was tried to assassinate MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala.

Hatred is in the hearts of those strugglers and blood is in their hands. This is a massacre that has intimidated and mobilized the people who want to live democratically. At that time not even a single religious leader in the area of ​​the struggle spoke to stop this wave of killings. It was not condemned. I thank this House for bringing this condolence motion under such circumstances. On this occasion I extend my deepest condolences to the wife, children and relatives of Mr. Amarakeerthi Athukorala.