Sri Lanka Police have recorded statements from 14 individuals, including politicians, in connection with the installation of a statue of former LTTE member Rasaiah Parthipan, also known as Thileepan, in Nallur, Jaffna.
Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala, speaking in Parliament today (21), said the statements were recorded from individuals allegedly involved in funding, constructing, promoting and organising the ceremony related to the statue.
The Minister said Police had launched an investigation into the incident and established that Thileepan was a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
He further stated that Police had taken the statue into custody and produced it before court as a case item.
According to Minister Wijepala, further legal action is being taken based on the advice of the Attorney General.
The remarks come in response to a question raised by Opposition MP Archchuna Ramanathan regarding the removal of the statue from the Thileepan Memorial Square in Jaffna on September 27, a day after commemorative events marking the 39th anniversary of Thileepan’s death concluded.
Previously, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that Police had reported facts to the relevant court before removing the statue, noting that Sri Lankan law prohibits the promotion of banned organisations, including the LTTE.
Thileepan died in September 1987 following a hunger strike in Nallur, during which he presented several demands to the Indian government. (Newswire)
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