The islandwide curfew imposed under Section 16 of the Public Security Ordinance today (09) has been extended to 7 am on Wednesday (11), the President’s Media Unit updated in a statement.
Situation at Weeraketiya intensifies. Two shot dead
As islandwide anti-government protests grow evermore intensified upon the brutal assault on the peaceful demonstration in GotaGoGama, many people have damaged property, including the residences of several Ruling Party MPs and local politicians in a move to quench their rage.
Meanwhile, two were killed by shooting in Weeraketiya area, where a group of protesters barged into the Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman’s residence.
Reportedly, five other persons were injured and hospitalised.
MIAP
Outraged by assault at GotaGoGama, people set Medamulana Rajapaksa Museum on fire!
People in various parts of the island are quenching their anger over the brutal assault launched on GotaGoGama, a hypothetical village built in GalleFace in objection to the Rajapaksa administration, by pro-Rajapaksa protesters by setting the residences of Ruling Party politicians on fire and damaging their properties.
In their tendency to vandalism driven by rage over the state-sponsored terrorism witnessed in Colombo this afternoon, the Medamulana Rajapaksa Museum, the crown jewel of the Rajapaksa Family, has also been set on fire. Outraged people have smashed the statues in the premises as well.
MIAP
Curfew updated with new terms announced
The Presidential Secretariat in a statement said that the curfew will be in effect from 7 pm today to 7 am tomorrow, adding an order that none shall be allowed to stay on a public road, railway, public park, public playground or any other public space, except under the possession of a written permit issued by an authorising officer.
The statement is presumably blocking any further existence of the GotaGoGama, the hypothetical village built in objection to the Rajapaksas as part of a wider movement against the current administration, in GalleFace, and the holding of further protests or marches.
Fire near the back gate of Temple Trees!
The anti-government protesters who surrounded Temple Trees are still staying there, attempting to break through the gates.
Meanwhile, a fire has started near the back gate of Temple Trees.
MIAP
People’s protesters raid Temple Trees
Anti-government protesters who had gathered at the GotaGoGama ground have now surrounded Temple Trees in objection to the brutal assault launched at the peaceful protests by pro-Rajapaksa protesters today.
People’s protesters are attempting to breach the Temple Trees premises, however, tight security has been set up in the premises.
Chances could be high that the protesters break the gates and enter the premises.
MIAP
MR listed himself among Hitler and Pol Pot: Sobhitha Thero
Omalpe Sobhitha Thero vehemently condemned the brutal attack launched at peaceful demonstrators at GalleFace by pro-Rajapaksa protesters, stating that Mahinda Rajapaksa has simply listed himself among genociders in World History like Hitler and Pol Pot.
Speaking to media in Colombo, the former government stalwart noted that such an ugly vice was expected from a reputed leader like Mahinda Rajapaksa who had worshiped the Eight Sacred Temples of Anuradhapura only yesterday (08).
Both the President and the Prime Minister should be held accountable this brutal assault, the Thera emphasised, adding that the entire Rajapaksa clan can never escape from this attack.
MIAP
Five crafts and eight pilots ready for takeoff..
Since this (09) afternoon, five aircrafts and eight pilots are ready for takeoff in any event of an emergency, sources said.
As to who will be carried in in these crafts should the country’s situation be turned worse is still a question…
Several Pohottu MPs’ houses set on fire
People across the country have been outraged by the thug attack on the Gota Go Gama protest. They are protesting by setting fire to the houses of MPs, ministers and local leaders of the People’s Front and damaging their properties.
Currently, the houses of Johnston Fernando, Nimal Lansa, Sanath Nishantha and many others have been set on fire.
Polonnaruwa District Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala was caught by protesters in the Nittambuwa area and fled with his bodyguard. Later the body of the MP who was shot dead has been found.
MR’s announcement on resignation altered by Media Secretary Weliwita and youngest son Rohitha!
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s press statement confirming his resignation effective from today (09) has deliberately been altered by his youngest son Rohitha Rajapaksa and Rohan Weliwita, the Media Secretary to the Prime Minister, cutting the phrase in which his resignation is confirmed, sources disclosed.
Sources told LNW that the press statement confirming the Prime Minister’s resignation had been formulated by his Chief of Staff Yoshitha Rajapaksa yesterday (08) and given to Weliwita to be published on time today, after which the second Rajapaksa son had left for Singapore.
Yoshitha Rajapaksa was accompanied by former Minister Pilleyan, who was on his way to Malaysia in the same flight.
However, Rohitha, the youngest Rajapaksa son, together with Weliwita had altered the press release confirming the Prime Minister’s resignation in a manner in which the media speculations are debunked.
During the tense events this afternoon, a government official closer to the Prime Minister has asked if he has not tendered his resignation, to which Mahinda Rajapaksa has responded that he has already, but the ‘crazed duo’ has changed it, sources further disclosed.
Unconfirmed reports claimed that the youngest Rajapaksa son has also left the country, but the claim is yet to be corroborated.