UNP parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera says he will never ask for forgiveness from a leader such as Mahinda Rajapaksa - directly or indirectly- if he is sentenced to prison or even to the gallows.

Samaraweera says that not only him but even his leader, Ranil Wickramasinghe will never seek forgiveness in that manner.

The MP made these comments while speaking to journalists after visiting the Bataduwa residence of UNP Southern Provincial Councilor Krishantha Pushpakumara, who was injured in the recent clash between UNP supporters in Matara.

Referring to recent media reports which alleged that he was released on bail after being arrested following the President’s intervention, Samaraweera stated that if reports published in the papers are in fact true then that means the President can change the decision of the judiciary and police.

That means the country’s law has gone to the dogs, he charged, adding, that is the truth they are continuously uncovering.

Especially the Sri Lanka Police service has today become “slaves” who are fulfilling every wish of the Rajapaksa family, he alleged.

The head of the UNP media division further charged that the “UNP hunt” within the Matara District is continuing and that 45 prominent party supporters are already in remand custody.  

He stated that even though photographs and footage of the” thugs” who surrounded and attacked UNP Vice President Jaliya Jayawardena during the Matara clash have been produced, the Matara Police has still not arrested the suspects.

Samaraweera stated that the country’s law had deterred to such an extent that Matara Police have only arrested the UNP Vice President, who he says was brutally assaulted and the person who had rushed him to hospital.   

The SLFP dissident and former Foreign Minister stated that he possesses video footage showing how the police treated the “terrorist” Herman Gunaratne, who was arrested after shooting five persons.

Samaraweera also said that he intends to file complaints with the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission and International Human Rights Commissions, against the officers of the Matara Police including the SSP in charge.

He also vowed to take legal action against the “shameless” media organization, which he says was responsible for operating the entire hunt.