On May 9, 2022, Gampaha district MP Sahan Pradeep Vithana was in a hurry to leave for the farewell event held for former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees. According to the MP, he visited Rajapaksa and left early as he was to visit the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy on the occasion of his wedding anniversary. “It was only when we left the Sri Dalada Maligawa after attending religious observances that we heard of the violence that had swept across the country. I witnessed my house being attacked and set on fire through social media,” Pradeep said.
The violence that was caused in the name of the Aragalaya undoubtedly brought shock and sadness to those who value democracy in Sri Lanka. The day’s incidents still bring feelings of pain and distress to the parliamentarian.
“Despite seeing the attack on our house we still left Kandy to head to our home in Kadawatha. But along the way the situation was worsening. When we exited the Mirigama expressway around 4000 to 5000 people had gathered on the road. They were opening the doors of vehicles and checking them. Some were attacking vehicles. They seemed to think that all 225 in Parliament must be done away with. I understood there was a threat to my life. Therefore, I hid in the back of the vehicle as my wife and friends opened the shutters and shouted out slogans in support of the Aragalaya.
Though our vehicle was stopped around 15 times I was not discovered by the violent protesters. Had they found me, I believe I too would have been killed. Even though I was able to avoid it, we were not able to go home. The house had been attacked and set on fire. Even our well had been contaminated with diesel and kerosene, ensuring we cannot use it again. At this time only my son and my wife’s parents were at home. They had suffered severe trauma as a result of these incidents.
Violence had swept across Kadawatha that day. It had been instigated by Samagi Jana Balawegaya Pradeshiya Sabaha members, university students, Frontline Socialist Party members and others,” the MP said.
According to the MP almost everything they owned was destroyed in the incident including things that cannot be replaced such as school time memorabilia, school books of his children and other important items. “We were left with only the clothes on our backs. Everything else was destroyed in the fire. Some items had been stolen.
For several days we stayed with a friend. My 19-year-old son was at home when the attackers had arrived. They had pursued him as he was being taken away by a friend but were unable to harm him. I cannot fathom the level of revenge to cause such destruction. What wrong have I done?” the MP asked.
The MP said he played no part in attacking the Aragalaya and neither did he bring in crowds to the event held on the day. “But the groups acted in anger at all politicians at the time. I too suffered the brunt of it for being a politician representing the Government. Despite 15 - 20 policemen being on site when my house was attacked they were not able to prevent it,” he said.
Despite the initial shock and hurt, Pradeep said he now thinks of the incident with more understanding.
“The Valuation Department visited my home only three months after the incident to evaluate the damages. We had already cleaned the house and got rid of the destroyed items. Their estimate was a mere Rs. 1.2 million. I have presented photographs of the destruction to the District Secretary, Divisional Secretary and Valuation Department but they refuse to accept it. The Police arrested several persons under suspicion but I asked the Police to release them. I knew many of them. I believe they had taken part in the events not in anger at me but because they were swept up in the moment. Not even 300 supporters of the SLPP were among the mob. Party members will never treat us in that manner as they know of my service,” the MP said.
MP Sahan Pradeep Vithana entered politics through the influence of popular politician Athula Nimalasiri Jayasinghe after studying at the Kadawatha Maha Bodhi Vidyalaya and the Kadawatha Central College. According to the MP he did not come from a political background. “My father was a Government employee and my mother was a homemaker. I was a class monitor, prefect and cadet sergeant at school. After leaving school I worked with youth organisations. This interested me in politics,” he said.
Pradeep first entered the Mahara Pradeshiya Sabha, before going on to the Western Provincial Council. In 2020 he secured 97 494 votes to enter parliament.
Recalling the incident on May 9, Pradeep said it was the first of its kind he had faced in his political career. “Therefore, I still feel some pain. However I gained so much self satisfaction through politics as it allows me to help people. Therefore, despite the obstacles as long as the people need me I will engage in politics,” he said.
According to the MP, while there are unions and associations to protect those involved in various professions, there is no such organisation to provide similar support to parliamentarians. “We are living in a temporary house provided to MPs who were affected by the violence on May 9.
His parents are living in a rented home. We continue in politics while facing these obstacles. But I would like to ask the youth to not be blinded by the agendas of various groups to act in this manner. They must think intelligently and work for the country. If not there will be no future. The parents must make their children understand this truth,” the MP said.