July 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has accused the Government of subjecting individuals who voice criticism to intimidation and pressure, alleging that some have been “driven to suicide”.
Speaking at a divisional meeting held in Dedigama, Kegalle yesterday (18), Rajapaksa claimed that people who provide statements critical of the Government are allegedly threatened and intimidated while being questioned by authorities.
He further alleged that the current period has seen an unusually high number of suicides, claiming that some individuals who had spoken out against the Government had been driven to take their own lives. Rajapaksa also claimed that during questioning, certain individuals are allegedly warned that they too could end up taking their own lives.
Calling for independent investigations into such incidents, the SLPP MP alleged that the Government was using intimidation and suppression to silence those who express opposing views. He argued that the allegations warranted closer scrutiny and urged the relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incidents he referred to.
During the same address, Rajapaksa also criticised the Government’s economic policies, tax measures, its treatment of public servants and investors, and accused the administration of failing to deliver on a number of promises made to the public during its election campaign.