UNP warns of military state, army denies - Report

The main opposition in Sri Lanka has accused the government of militarising several aspects of civilian life including the urban development in the south.

Mangala Samaraweera, MP, told BBC Sinhala service, Sandeshaya that the Defence Ministry is interfering in urban development in Matara town weeks before the municipal council elections.

“We do not need army to develop a town,” the United National Party (UNP) Matara district MP said.

“And we strongly object army taking over civilian responsibilities.”

Mr. Samaraweera, a former Minister of Urban Development, said the civilian administrations have enough powers to develop any town under the Urban Development Act.

“Now we are witnessing the emergence of a military state in Matara town,” Mangala Samaraweera said, adding that it is a “very dangerous trend.”

“We have seen in every country that these trends continued ended up as military states.”

Military spokesman, Maj. Gen. Ubhaya Medawala, rejected the accusations.

“Army officers have never taken part in activities of Urban Development Authority,” he told BBC Sandeshaya.

He, however, admitted that the army has taken part in many development projects since the end of the war against the Tamil Tigers.

“Military assistance in civil authorities, assistance in civil power and assistance in civil community has been part of the duty and responsibility of the military,” he said.