The Common Opposition today said that it wanted to thank the present regime and its “provincial level goons” for their demonstration of their true selves by attacking unarmed activists of the opposition.

Issuing a special statement to media, UNP Leadership Council Chairman Karu Jayasuriya said, “They have served to remind all Sri Lankans of how desperately this country needs change.”

“Intimidation and violence is not going to hinder the juggernaut that is going to create change in this country at the next election. The Rajapaksa regime has sensed opposition momentum. It has witnessed the peoples' power our movement of righteous forces. This is the reason for their behaviour that resembles hooligans and lunatics escaped from the asylum,” Jayasuriya added.

“This circus ends on January 8. On that day, all of these thugs, goons, drug peddlers, rapist and murderers will see their day of justice dawn. The justice that cannot be expected from the Rakapaksa regime will be delivered by the people of this country.,” the UNP Parliamentarian also said.

The UNP Leadership Council Chairman made this statement with regard to the two incidents where activists of the opposition came under attack in Haputale and Hambanthota over the weekend.

“The recent violent incidents targeting rallies and activists of the common opposition amply demonstrate the lack of democratic space under the dictatorial Rajapaksa regime,” he asserted.

“On Sunday, prominent local members of the UPFA assaulted artists and civil society activists in the President's home district of Hambantota, injuring several. The UNP Opposition Leader of the Hambantota Municipal Council Auyb Khan were attacked by Rajapaksa goons at a protest campaign organized by civil society activists near the Hambantota bus halt. This attack was led by the infamous Hambantota Mayor Eraj Fernando of toy pistol fame. The opposition has been at the receiving end of his heavy handed thuggery only a few months ago,” Jayasuriya explained. 

In these two cases, according to Jayasuriya, the Police had watched passively and in some cases shielded the culprits as the opposition activists were beaten by goons