MR accused of bringing criminality, thuggery and hooliganism to Kurunegala politics

Freedom People’s Congress member MP Dr Charitha Herath has accused former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa of leading the efforts of destroying the great tradition of respectable politics in the Kurunegala district. Attending a rally in the Polgahawela electorate this week, Herath said leaders that moved to Kurunegala from Hambantota have helped bring down the levels of its politics to criminality, thuggery and hooliganism.

“The best politicians of the UNP were from here. Respected politicians such as M.D Banda, Iriyagolla, Welagedara, Wanninayake and Jayathilake began their political careers in the UNP here. Old-world politicians such as SLFP’s Jaya Pathirana, S.B Nawinna, Tissa Balalla, Samarasinghe and Wickramasinghe also had their start in this district. However it is unfortunate to note that this great tradition of respectable politics in the district was demolished under the leadership of Mahinda Rajapaksa,” he said. The MP said the people of not just the Kurunegala district but across the island have lost their faith in politics as a result of these acts.