Demonstrations in support of Gen. Ratwatte

[TamilNet, Thursday, 29 January 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Demonstrations were held in Kandy and Colombo demanding that the Deputy Minister for Defence Gen. Anuruddha Ratwatte should not resign.

A group of demonstrators gathered at the Hyde Park corner in Colombo today, shouting slogans against the UNP and setting some tires on fire, a symbol of the killings which took place under the UNP regime in 1988-90.

The crowd demanded that the General should remain in the interests of the country. A group of monks also staged a demonstration in Kandy today against the minister's resignation.

The UNP has said that the who campaign has been orchestrated by the government and that the resignation is premeditated drama to hoodwink the people.

Gen. Anurudha Ratwatte resigned his portfolio yesterday. However, His resignation is yet to be accepted by the Sri Lankan President.

On Tuesday more than 600 people domonstrated in Colombo and burnt Ratwatte's effigy, demanding his resignation.

Related Articles:
28.01.98   Gen. Ratwatte submits resignation
27.01.98   Calls for Gen. Ratwatte's resignation