Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms Minister Wijeyedasa Rajapakshe said in Parliament yesterday there was a list prepared for the burning down of 100 houses of MPs and political leaders of Samagi Janabalawegaya (SJB) on last May 10.
These plans were foiled as armed forces were ordered to shoot on sight. If not, at least 100 houses of SJB MPs would have be burnt down.
The Minister said this while replying to the debate taking place between the ruling party and Opposition MPs regarding the incident that occurred last May 9.
The Minister further said a list was made about the houses and offices of the SLPP MPs and they were set on fire on last May 9. The arson attack was pre-planned. I also called the former President several times to inform him about this situation. But due to some reason, more than 1,000 houses and properties of the SLPP MPs were set on fire that day. Apart from this, another list of more than 100 houses was being prepared to be set on fire On May 10. Houses of SJB MPs and political leaders were top of that list to be set on fire. They had a plan to burn down their houses until that night. At that time, we called the Defence Secretary and told him to give orders to the Army to fire at the rioters. Accordingly, three shots were fired by the Army in three areas in Rajgama, Angoda, and Pita Kotte. At least 100 houses of SJB MPs would have burned down that day if there had not been those three shootings. That was their plan. But we were able to prevent the catastrophe that was going to happen soon after the Army deployment to the streets.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 – 01:00
