Acting IGP C.D Wickramatne has reportedly directed officials to provide security to civil society activists, Gamini Viyangoda and Chandragupta Thenuwara as well as their lawyers if requested. The duo has come under attack, especially, on social media following their decision to file a writ petition challenging the citizenship of Presidential hopeful Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Accordingly, the IGP is said to have directed DIG Colombo Champika Siriwardene to take necessary steps if the petitioners and their counsels request security.
Viyangoda told the Sunday Observer that threats against him and Thenuwara have increased since the Court of Appeal decision was announced on Friday. Supporters of Rajapaksa had celebrated across the country after the Court decided to dismiss the petition filed by Viyangoda and Thenuwara.
Viyangoda claimed he had received threatening calls while social media abuse had also increased. “One social media post had said that we should be tortured before being put to death” he noted. Similarly, Thenuwara had also received numerous threatening calls and had obscenities shouted at him while walking on the road.
“We will decide in the coming days and request Police protection if needed,” Viyangoda said adding that he and Thenuwara took this step to ensure the rule of law is upheld in the country. According to Viyangoda, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has taught those who oppose him many lessons.
“For example, he has taught us lessons through Lasantha Wickramatunge, Prageeth Ekneligoda, Poddala Jayantha and Keith Noyhar,” he said adding that as a result, they are taking the threats and hate campaign launched against them seriously.